Renewing 1973's UNDOF in the Middle East - S/RES/1994 (2011)

S/RES/1994 is another exercise in extension of mandate in a UN peacekeeping operation that has been going on for a while. In this case it is the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force that is placed in the border between Israel and Syria since S/RES/338 (1973) and has been in place since the end of the Yom Kippur War and remains there since. This time frame makes the UNDOF one of the oldest peacekeeping operation established by the UN.



Preamble

The preamble states that the situation in the Middle East is tense and likely to remain so unless they reach a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the situation in the region. This is a considerably bold statement from the Security Council which in essence makes the operation a permanent feature, because even peaceful neighboring country have border disputes, which can the concept of a comprehensive settlement very hard to reach. The preamble rounds up with the consideration of the recent report from the Secretary-General on the mission and an expression of grave concern at recent events that jeopardize the cease-fire.

Operative Clauses

The resolution calls upon the parties concerned to immediately implement S/RES/338 and for them to cooperate fully with the operation of the mission, specially to ensure the security of the personnel on the ground. It also recalls the obligations of both parties to respect the terms of the force agreement that lead to the establishment of the mission. There is a welcoming measures taken by the mission to implement the zero-tolerance policy and sexual exploitation and abuse by the peacekeepers. It rounds up the operative clauses by renewing the mandate of the operation for six months, until December 31, 2011 and requesting a report by the Secretary-General to be delivered to the Council by the end of the period. Interestingly enough this resolution that deals with a 38-year-old peacekeeping mission does not decide to remain seized of the matter.