Austria to pull out UN forces in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights
Iran Press TV
Fri Jun 7, 2013 8:44AM GMT
Austria says it will withdraw all of its peacekeeping forces from the Israeli-occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights, following clashes between Syrian forces and militants that led to the injury of two UN observers.
UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said on Friday that Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger had informed UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the matter.
Austria's Defense Minister Gerald Klug also said the withdrawal would start on June 11.
Vienna made the decision after anti-Syria militants briefly took over the Quneitra crossing between Syria and the Golan Heights. However, the Syrian army later moved in and recaptured the area. An Indian and a Philippine UN peacekeeper were wounded in the heavy fighting, according to UN diplomatic sources.
Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann said the country was worried about the safety of its soldiers, who were "not trained or deployed for a military operation."
Austrian forces account for about 380 out of the 1,000-member UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has monitored the zone since 1974.
According to a report by the Guardian, Austria's decision has irked the Israeli regime.
"For the first time in 40 years, it's not easy so the presence ends? That sends a very problematic message to the Israeli public," an Israeli official told the UK daily.
Japan and Croatia have also pulled out troops from the UNDOF in recent months.
In March, 21 Philippine UN peacekeepers were abducted for five days by militants in Syria. Four more were also seized by the militants earlier this month and released on May 12.
The Philippines and other countries that provide troops to the UN force in Golan have expressed concern over such abductions. Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario has said the country's contingent could be withdrawn due to such incidents.
MKA/HSN
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