Security Council Press Statement on UN Disengagement Observer Force

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Samantha Power ( United States):

The members of the Security Council received a briefing on 3 September from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous concerning the welfare of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.  The members of the Security Council again condemned in the strongest terms the detention of 45 Fijian peacekeepers by a Security Council-designated terrorist organization.  They reiterated their call for the peacekeepers’ immediate and unconditional release.  There can never be any justification for attacks on or the detention of UN peacekeepers.  The members of the Security Council welcomed news that all Filipino peacekeepers are now safe and they commended the efforts of UNDOF’s Quick Reaction Force.

The members of the Security Council insisted that UNDOF’s mandate, impartiality, operations, safety and security must be respected.  To this end, they demanded that all groups other than UNDOF must abandon all UNDOF positions and the Quneitra crossing point, and return the peacekeepers’ vehicles, weapons, and other equipment.

The members of the Security Council commended UNDOF’s peacekeepers for their bravery in facing the threats and challenges in their area of operation.  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 to immediately release the peacekeepers.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unconditional support for UNDOF and the vital role it plays in support of stability in the Golan Heights.

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For information media • not an official record