Israel, Syria to reopen Golan crossing
After United Nations peacekeeping mission had to evacuate from demilitarized zone between the Israeli Golan and Syria amid its civil war, US Amb. to UN Nikki Haley says both countries had agreed to reopen Quneitra crossing on Monday; adds that opening will 'allow UN peacekeepers to step up their efforts to prevent hostilities in Golan Heights region.'
Israel, Syria and the United Nations have agreed to open the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights on Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Friday.
Haley said in a statement that the opening "will allow UN peacekeepers to step up their efforts to prevent hostilities in the Golan Heights region."
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has been monitoring operations in a demilitarized zone established in 1974 between the Israeli Golan and the Syrian sector, but the peacekeeping mission was disrupted by Syria's civil war.
Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Six Day War and fought Syria again on the strategic plateau in the Kippur war in 1973.
"We look to both Israel and Syria to provide UN peacekeepers the access they need as well as assurances of their safety. We also call on Syria to take the necessary steps so UNDOF can safely and effectively deploy and patrol without interference," Haley said.
Military police from Russia, a major ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, have been patrolling on the Syrian side of Quneitra.
The Syrian side of the crossing was captured four years ago by the rebel groups opposing Assad's regime, prompting the UN force to evacuate from the area.
Over the past four years, the crossing was under the control of various groups, until recently when Assad recaptured.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the Israeli side of the crossing on Sept. 27. He said then that in the past, traffic through Quneitra mainly comprised shipments into Syria of apples grown by Druze farmers on the Israeli Golan and the entry of brides for partners on both sides of the armistice line.
The defense minister added that any resumption of operations at the facility depended on Syria.
“The fact that we have come here, to Alpha Gate, and as far as we are concerned UNDOF forces have begun to operate and patrol with the Israeli military’s assistance, says that we are ready for the crossing to reopen,” he told reporters.
When asked whether reopening the crossing is an acknowledgement of Assad's regime, he replied, "We've said we would not interfere (in Syria's civil war). Assad is not our friend, I consider him as a war criminal.
"I don't see all those human rights organizations operating on the Syrian side asking Assad foe explanations. It doesn't concern us. Our only interest is the safety of Israel's citizens.
