7 June 2013 – The Security Council has strongly condemned the “intense” fighting in the Golan Heights, including the attack that injured two United Nations peacekeepers yesterday, and is set to hold closed-door talks today on the latest developments, including the decision by one of the major troop contributors to withdraw its soldiers from the mission amid escalating violence in Syria.
The two peacekeepers serving with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) are reported to be in stable condition after sustaining minor injuries on Thursday. The mission, which is responsible for monitoring the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel, has come under increasing threat and attacks in recent months as fighting between Syrian forces and anti-government groups continues unabated.
“The members of the Security Council called upon all parties to fully cooperate with UNDOF in good faith to enable it to operate freely and to ensure full security of its personnel,” Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant of the United Kingdom, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council for June, said in a statement read out to the press.
“The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the risk that all military activities in the area of separation conducted by any actor pose to the long-held ceasefire and the local population.”
The 15-member body also noted with grave concern that there have been a number of incidents threatening the safety and security of UN personnel in recent months and underscored they would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Mr. Lyall Grant told reporters that Council members are scheduled to receive a briefing later today by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous on the latest developments.
Yesterday, Austria – which contributes about one-third of UNDOF’s troops – informed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of its decision to withdraw its soldiers, reportedly citing a lack of freedom of movement and an unacceptable level of danger to its personnel.
Mr. Ban voiced his regret at Austria’s decision, while expressing his gratitude to those countries who are continuing to provide troops and military observers to the mission.