LOC12:09
09:09 GMT
TOKYO, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- The Japanese government decided Tuesday to extend
the participation of its troops in a UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan
Heights in Syria another six months until September 30.
The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting, follows a UN Security Council
resolution in December to extend the mission of the UN Disengagement Observer
Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
As a result, Self-Defense Forces troops will continue their mission beyond
the current deadline of March 31.
Since 1974, UNDOF has been monitoring the disengagement of Israel Defense
Forces and Syrian troops on the Golan Heights, the focal point of Middle East
peace negotiations.
Japan has been participating in the peacekeeping mission on six-month
rotations since February 1996, providing airlifting transportation and other
logistical support for the UN mission.
According to the Foreign Ministry, 45 Japanese personnel are carrying out
their mission smoothly despite the harsh environment and extreme temperature
variations. (end)
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