MIDDLE EAST

The situation in the Middle East remained a source of great concern for the international community. In his efforts to help end violence and revive the peace process, the Secretary-General was supported by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) continued to provide military observers to peacekeeping forces in the area-the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights-and to maintain observers in Sinai. In Lebanon, where, with the exception of the Shab'a Farms area, the situation along the border with Israel remained generally calm, UNIFIL increasingly assumed the tasks of an observer mission. For this reason, the Force commenced a reconfiguration exercise and began reducing its numbers.

On the Golan Heights, UNDOF continued to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria, and maintain the ceasefire.

The UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) functioned smoothly with the cooperation of both parties and the situation in its area of operations remained generally calm. UNIKOM continued to monitor the demilitarized zone, investigate reports of violations and communicate its findings to the parties.

Back to top  Copyright 2002. All Rights Reserved. Site prepared and design by Peace and Security Section, DPI