Four peacekeepers kidnapped in Syria by 'armed elements' - UN

USPA News - The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday called for the immediate release of four peacekeepers being held by "armed elements" in Syria. The spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement, saying Ban "strongly condemns the detention of four United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers by armed elements."

The incident occurred in the vicinity of Al Jamla, in the Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General Ban reminded all actors in Syria that UNDOF is mandated to monitor the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria. "The Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect UNDOF`s freedom of movement and safety and security," the statement said. This incident comes nearly two months after 21 UNDOF peacekeepers were captured on March 6 in the same location by armed elements of the Syrian opposition. They were held for fours before being released safely. Three weeks after that incident, the Security Council issued a Presidential Statement expressing its "grave concern" at the presence of the Syrian and opposition troops inside the demilitarized area of the Golan Heights, and called on both sides to respect the blue helmets? freedom of movement and security. Peacekeepers serving with UNDOF monitor the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. In December, the Security Council extended the mission`s mandate for another six months, until June 30.