Secretary-General Welcomes Release of 21 Members of Observer Force Charged

with Monitoring Disengagement between Israel, Syria

 

The following statement was issued on 9 March by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the release of the 21 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers who had been detained on 6 March in the vicinity of Al Jamla in the area of limitation.  He appreciates the efforts of all concerned to secure their safe release.

The Secretary-General emphasizes to all parties the impartiality of United Nations peacekeepers.  UNDOF is on the ground to monitor the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.  The Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect UNDOF’s freedom of movement and the safety and security of its personnel.  He also calls on them to respect and uphold the protection of civilians.

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For information media • not an official record