The United Nations Security Council unanimously extended Friday the United Nations observer force on the Golan Heights by another six months.
The UN forcers have been observing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
on the Golan for more than 30 years.
In the unanimously adopted resolution, the Security Council decided to renew the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) until 31 December 2008. The decision follows the recommendation of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In his latest report on the observer force’s activities, Mr. Ban said the situation on the Israel-Syria border 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.
Secretary-General Ban also noted he considered the observer force's continued presence “essential,” given the ongoing tension in the region.
The Golan observer force was established in May 1974 to supervise the disengagement accord between the Syrian army and the IDF following the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
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