UN observer force in Golan Heights to continue for further six months
27 June 2008 - The Security Council today extended for another six months the United Nations force observing the more than
three-decade-old ceasefire between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights.
In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council decided to renew the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force
(UNDOF) until 31 December 2008, as recommended by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In his latest report on the Force's activities, Mr. Ban noted that the situation in the Israel-Syria sector has remained
generally quiet. At the same time, "the situation in the Middle East is tense and is likely to remain so, unless and
until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached," he stated.
He considered UNDOF's continued presence "essential," given the ongoing tension in the region.
The Force was established in May 1974 to supervise the disengagement accord between Syrian and Israeli forces after
their 1973 war.
ENDS