SECURITY CO±¬ÁÏÍøCIL RENEWS MANDATE OF ±¬ÁÏÍøDOF ±¬ÁÏÍøTIL 30 NOVEMBER

Resolution 1057 (1996), Adopted Unanimously, Calls for Implementation of Resolution 338 (1973)

The Security Council this morning renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (±¬ÁÏÍøDOF) for six months, until 30 November. The Force was established in May 1974 to supervise the cease-fire called for by the Council and the agreement on disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces of 31 May 1974.

Through its unanimous adoption of resolution , the Council called on the parties to implement immediately its resolution , and asked the Secretary-General to report on measures taken to implement that text.

Also, through a statement read out by its President, Qin Huasun (China), the Council stated that, despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continued to be potentially dangerous and was likely to remain so unless there was a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem.

The full text of the statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/1996/27, reads as follows:

"As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force () states, in paragraph 14: 'Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria 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."

The Secretary-General's report also draws attention to the serious shortfall in funding for the Force with unpaid assessments now totalling $60.7 million — a sum equal to twice the Force's annual budget. He appeals to all Member States to pay their assessments promptly and in full to clear arrears. Since 1992, ±¬ÁÏÍøDOF has implemented two streamlining measures, which have reduced its size and budget by 20 per cent, making it a very lean and cost-effective operation. Syria and Israel's cooperation with the Force have helped make such savings possible, he states.

The full text of resolution 1057 (1996) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,
"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 23 May 1996 (S/1996/368),
"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 1996;
"(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, which was called to order at 11:55 a.m., adjourned at 11:59 a.m.

* *** *