Security Council Press Statement on United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant ( United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned continued attacks today on United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) positions in the Golan Heights.  They reiterated their strong condemnation of the ongoing detention of 44 Fijian peacekeepers from position 27, as well as the surrounding of position 68, where Security Council-designated terrorist groups and non-State armed actors continue to trap 40 Filipino peacekeepers.  The members demanded the immediate and unconditional release of these peacekeepers, as well as their safe passage.

The members of the Security Council welcomed news that 32 Filipino peacekeepers from position 69 were extricated to safety.  They insisted that UNDOF’s mandate, impartiality, operations, safety, and security must be respected.  They called upon all parties to cooperate with UNDOF in good faith to enable it to operate freely and to ensure full security of its personnel.  They also called upon countries with influence to strongly convey to those responsible in the UNDOF area of operation to immediately release the peacekeepers.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unconditional support for UNDOF.

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For information media • not an official record