United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone

U.N. Security Council condemns detention of peacekeepers in Golan

Kyodo News InternationalMay 8, 2013 21:45

The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday issued a statement strongly condemning "armed elements" of the Syrian opposition for holding four peacekeepers in the Golan Heights. "The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the detention of four United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers from the Philippine Battalion within the Area of Limitation in the vicinity of Al Jamla," the press statement said, referring to the area where the peacekeepers were monitoring a 1974 cease-fire agreement between Syria and Israel.

Philippines welcomes release of peacekeepers

Agence France-PresseMarch 10, 2013 04:30

The Philippine government on Sunday welcomed the release of its 21 UN peacekeepers after they were freed by Syrian rebels and crossed into Jordan, where officials waited to receive them. The troops, members of a UN force monitoring a 1974 ceasefire between Syria and Israel, were abducted on Wednesday. President Benigno Aquino "was very happy to receive the news," his spokeswoman Abigail Valte said. "The president was very concerned and this is very good news indeed."

Philippines welcomes release of peacekeepers

Agence France-PresseMarch 9, 2013 23:00

The Philippine government on Sunday welcomed the release of its 21 UN peacekeepers after they were freed by Syrian rebels and crossed to Jordan, where officials waited to receive them. The troops, members of a UN force monitoring a 1974 ceasefire between Syria and Israel, were abducted on Wednesday. "The Philippine government and its people express deep appreciation to the Jordanian government and military officials on the successful safe passing over to the Jordanian side of all our 21 Filipino peacekeepers," a statement said.

Philippines says Syrian rebels firm on hostage demands

Agence France-PresseMarch 8, 2013 00:30

The Philippines said Friday that rebels who are holding 21 Filipino peacekeepers hostage in the Golan Heights are insisting Syrian troops leave the area before releasing their captives. The refusal by the Syrian rebels to compromise had dampened hopes of the UN peacekeepers being released quickly, and forced the government to step up its negotiation efforts, foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said.