Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Peacekeepers

In Golan, Stressing Respect for Observer Force’s Mandate

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the detention of 43 peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) by armed elements of the opposition in the vicinity of Al Qunaytirah, in the area of separation in the Golan.  The Secretary-General calls for the immediate release of these peacekeepers.

The Secretary-General also condemns the restriction of movement of UNDOF peacekeepers by armed elements of the opposition in two positions in the vicinity of Ar Ruwayhinah and Burayqah.  He calls for the immediate lifting of these restrictions.

The Secretary-General reminds all actors that UNDOF is mandated 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 safety and security.

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For information media • not an official record