UNSC urges Syria, Israel to remain committed to disengagement deal

NEW YORK, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- The UN Security Council on Friday affirmed the importance the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic.
Despite the latest security challenges facing the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the temporary relocation of the majority of its personnel across the Alpha line, both parties (Syria and Israel) must remain committed to the terms of the disengagement agreement and scrupulously observe the ceasefire and the separation of forces, said the Council President Samantha Power, of the United States, in a statement.
The Council urged both parties to continue to offer support to UNDOF during this period of heightened security threats, and to offer UNDOF and UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)-Observer Group Golan safe passage and resupply when requested, the statement said.
The Council reaffirmed its unconditional support for UNDOF and the importance of maintaining it as a vital contributor to peace and security in the Middle East, noting with concern the deteriorating security situation in UNDOF's area of operation due to the ongoing Syrian conflict and the activities of several non-state armed actors, including Al-Nusra Front, and the risk it posed to the disengagement agreement and to UN peacekeepers serving there.
Furthermore, it 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 Security Council requested that the Secretary-General to provide an update within 30 days on steps necessary to maintain UNDOF's ability to carry out its mandate, including options for monitoring the ceasefire and the separation of forces even under circumstances when security conditions constrain them from fully operating in the Area of Separation and the Area of Limitation on the Bravo side. (end) mao.gb