United Nations Secretary-General ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for enhancing the self-defense capacity of the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights, stressing that the ongoing civil war in Syria poses a serious threat to the security of the UN mission.
The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)UNDOF was first established by the UN Security Council in the Golan Heights in 1974 to supervise the disengagement accord between Syrian and Israeli forces after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In December, the Security Council extended the mission's mandate for another six months, until June 30, 2013.
The UNDOF has faced a number of security risks and operational challenges in recent months amid the escalating conflict in Syria. Since last November, UNDOF has had its peacekeepers seized by armed groups, its observation posts attacked and looted, and its freedom of movement curtailed.
In his latest report to the Security Council, the UN chief noted that that recent clashes in the Golan Heights area are threatening the decades-long ceasefire between Syria and Israel and putting civilians and United Nations personnel at risk.
"Given the evolving security situation in the UNDOF area of operation, it is necessary to consider further adjustments to the posture and operations of the Mission," Ban said in his report.
He also recommend that the Council consider, "as a matter of priority," adjustments to UNDOF, including enhancing its self-defense capabilities and boosting its force strength by about 300 to some 1,250 troops.
"It is equally critical that the Security Council continue to bring its influence to bear on the parties concerned to ensure that UNDOF is accorded the ability to operate freely and securely within its area of operations in order to be able to carry out its important mandate," the UN chief added.
Incidentally, the recent violent incidents had prompted Austria to announce its decision to withdraw its peacekeepers from the Golan Heights over security risks posed by the escalation in fighting between Syrian government forces and rebels.
UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters in New York on Thursday that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) has requested the Austrian authorities to ensure that the Mission's operational requirements and the possible negative impact on implementing the mandate.
"Specifically, [DPKO] formally requested Austria to complete the withdrawal of its personnel no earlier than the end of July to ensure a smooth transition with incoming troop-contributing countries and a continued UN presence in critical UNDOF positions such a Mount Hermon," Nesirky said.
He stated that Austria has been requested to leave all its equipment within UNDOF and added that DPKO is "urgently approaching possible troop contributing countries to replace Austria."
Austria is one of the three countries - along with India and the Philippines - that have contributed military personnel to the UNDOF. Besides, Austrians account for about 380 of the 1,000-strong UN force in Golan Heights.
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