UNDOF – Mandate renewal, SecCo action – Press release

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS UNDOF MANDATE UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER,

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1300 (2000)

The Security Council this afternoon unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) by six months until 30 November.

By the terms of resolution 1300 (2000), the Council also decided to call upon the parties concerned — Israel and Syria — to implement immediately Security Council resolution 338 (1973) and to request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of the present mandate, a report on the development in the situation and measures taken to implement Council resolution 338.

In connection with the adoption of the text, the Council President read the following statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/2000/19:

"As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2000/459) states, in paragraph 11: 'Despite the present quiet in the Israeli-Syrian sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached.’ That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council."

Draft Resolution

The full text of Security Council resolution 1300 (2000) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/459),

“Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases,

“Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 9 December 1994,

“Decides:

“(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 30 November 2000;

“(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the development in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973).”

The meeting started at 4:23 p.m. and adjourned at 4:28 p.m.

Secretary-General’s Report

When the Council met this afternoon it had before it a report of the Secretary-General (document S/2000/459) on UNDOF, which gives an account of the activities of the Force during the last six months and recommends a six-month extension of its mandate.

The Secretary-General writes that during the period under review, the ceasefire in the Israeli-Syrian sector was maintained without serious incident, and the Force’s area of operation remained calm. Among other activities, the Force continued to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with facilities for mail and the passage of persons through the area of separation and, within the means available, medical treatment was provided to the local population on request. Minefields in UNDOF’s area of operations, especially in the area of separation, continued to be a concern. Syrian engineers have cleared mines under UNDOF supervision.

Despite the present quiet in the Israeli-Syrian sector, the report states, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached. The Secretary-General hopes that determined efforts will be made by all concerned to tackle the problem in all its aspects, with a view to arriving at a just and durable peace.

In that context, the Secretary-General considers the continued presence of UNDOF in the area to be essential, and recommends that the Council extend its mandate for a further six months, until 30 November. The Governments of Israel and Syria have expressed their agreement to the proposed extension.

The Secretary-General draws attention to the shortfall in the funding of the Force. Unpaid assessments currently amount to some $17 million. He appeals to all States to pay their assessments promptly and in full and to clear all remaining arrears.

* *** *