UN SENDS ITS PEACEKEEPERS BACK TO GOLAN BUFFER ZONE, RUSSIAN PERSONNEL NOT PART OF UN FORCE

The UN peacekeeping force tasked to patrol the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights is gradually returning to its positions. However, Russian personnel on patrol are not part of the UN force, a spokesperson for the world body said on Friday. The UN mission, known as the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), is implementing a gradual return after its 2014 withdrawal from positions because of the kidnapping of its personnel by al-Qaida-affiliated terrorists, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.

He clarified that the Russian personnel mentioned in press reports are not part of UNDOF, which is comprised of personnel from UN members that are not permanent members of the Security Council. Russia is a permanent member of the council. As part of efforts to return incrementally to the area of separation, UNDOF on Thursday carried out a patrol to the Quneitra crossing point. The Syrians and Russian military police personnel simultaneously conducted a patrol to the area, said Haq.

“Any Russian military police presence or planned deployment in the Syrian Arab Republic is separate and distinct from that of UNDOF,” he clarified.

In advance of its patrol, the UN force liaised with both the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and the Israel Defence Forces, said Mr Haq.

“UNDOF maintains regular contact with the Israel Defense Forces and Syrian Arab Armed Forces, as well as with relevant interlocutors related to the deescalation zone in the southwest part of Syria,” said Mr Haq, who refused to say whether the “relevant interlocutors” include the Russians.

The ultimate goal for UNDOF is the full return, conditions permitting, said Mr Haq. >Xinhua