Syria’s Foreign Ministry said it welcomed the UN Security Council’s call for full compliance with the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement with Israel.
The ministry said council members had unanimously adopted a position affirming the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Greece, which held the council’s rotating presidency in October, announced the position following discussions.
The discussions were held after consultations on the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the UN Security Council’s emphasis that all states must respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministry said the position expressed by the United Nations was the result of Syria’s diplomatic efforts at the international level. The statement said the position came after the UN secretary-general’s visit to Syria.
During the visit, the secretary-general met with residents of Quneitra province and UNDOF personnel. The statement also said he sought to examine on the ground what it described as Israel’s violations.
The expected visit to Syria by the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations coincided with the council’s position. The situation on the ground is expected to be examined during the visit.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry said it supported the efforts of the United Nations and UNDOF to carry out their duties. Highlighting UNDOF’s role in documenting violations, the ministry called for the safety and freedom of movement of its personnel to be guaranteed and for the force to be allowed to carry out its duties without obstruction.
The Damascus administration reiterated its commitment to exercising its full sovereign rights and its intention to abide by the principles of the UN Charter and relevant international resolutions. The statement said respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would contribute to regional and international security and peace.
The disengagement of forces agreement
Syria and Israel signed the disengagement of forces agreement in 1974, following the October 1973 War. The agreement provides for the separation of the parties’ forces and the establishment of a buffer zone monitored by a United Nations force.
UNDOF monitors the implementation of the agreement in the occupied Syrian Golan.
