Ban condemns detention of UNDOF in Golan Heights

NEW YORK, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the detention of 43 peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) by elements of the Syrian armed opposition in the vicinity of Al Qunaytirah town. Ban calls for immediate release of the peacekeepers, according to a statement by his press office.
He also condemned the restriction of movement of UNDOF peacekeepers by armed elements of the opposition in two positions in the UNDOF area of operation in the Golan Heights particularly in the vicinity of Ar-Ruwayhinah and Burayqah.
He called for the immediate lifting of these restrictions.
The Secretary-General also reminded all actors that UNDOF is mandated to monitor the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, and called on all parties to respect UNDOF's freedom of movement, safety and security. (end) mao.gb