SC/8598
22 December 2005
Security Council Unanimously Adopts Text Renewing Mandate of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
Resolution 1648 (2005) Grants Extension of Six Months
NEW YORK, 21 December (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council, having considered the Secretary-General's 7 December report on the 1974 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), today renewed its mandate for another six months, extending it until 30 June 2006.
By its unanimous adoption of resolution 1648 (2005), the Council called on the parties concerned -- Syria and Israel -- to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973).
In a further provision of the text, the Council welcomed UNDOF's efforts to implement the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct. It requested the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in that regard and to keep the Council informed. The Council also urged troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts were properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel.
In connection with the resolution just adopted, Adam Thomson (United Kingdom), Council President for December, read out a statement (document S/PRST/2005/65) accompanying the mandate extension, which referred to the Secretary-General's characterization of the situation in the Middle East as "very tense and likely to remain so, unless a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached".
The meeting began at 5:45 p.m. and ended at 5:50 p.m.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 1648 (2005) reads as follows:
"The Security Council,
"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 7 December 2005 (S/2005/767), and also reaffirming its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,
"1. Calls upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;
"2. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to implement the Secretary-General's zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
"3. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 30 June 2006;
"4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973)."
Presidential Statement
The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2005/65 reads as follows:
"As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2005/767) states in paragraph 12 '...the situation in the Middle East is very tense 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."
Background
The Security Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (document S/2005/767), which provides an account of the Force's activities from 10 June to 9 December. Established in May 1974 to supervise the ceasefire called by the Council and the agreement on disengagement between Syrian and Israeli forces of 31 May 1974, it has continued to perform its function effectively, with the cooperation of the parties.
During the period under review, the report says, the ceasefire in the Israel-Syria sector was maintained and the area of operations of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force remained generally quiet, except in the Shab'a farms area, which experienced activity originating from the area of operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Force continued to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with the passage of persons through the area of separation, where mines continue to pose a threat to UNDOF personnel and local inhabitants. Owing to the age of the mines and their deteriorating explosives, this threat has increased. The Force continued to carry out operational mine clearance.
The situation in the Middle East is very tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached, the report states. Therefore, considering the continued presence of the Force in the area to be essential, the Secretary-General recommends that the Council extend its mandate for a further six months, until 30 June 2006. In doing so, he also draws attention to the shortfall in the funding of UNDOF. Present, unpaid assessments amounted to some $22.7 million, and the Secretary-General appeals to all Member States to pay their assessments promptly and in full, and to clear all remaining arrears.
* *** *
