Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Let me begin by expressing New Zealand’s sincere condolences to the people and the Government of Turkey over the attacks at the Istanbul airport.
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) plays a critical role as a stabilizing force in an extremely troubled region. We strongly support the mission and we want to see it return to full functionality as soon as possible. Therefore, we are open to an incremental return to the area of separation, but we need to bear in mind the circumstances that led to UNDOF withdrawing in the first place.
The deteriorating security situation had generated a sustained crisis, which saw several long-standing contributing countries withdraw from the mission, and culminated in October 2014 with the kidnapping of 45 Fijian peacekeepers by armed extremist groups. These incidents were extremely damaging to UNDOF and to United Nations peacekeeping more generally. United Nations personnel were put in unacceptable situations of risk, with inadequate plans for a rapid exit. The incidents in the Golan exposed concerning flaws within the United Nations processes for assessing risk and engaging with troop-contributing countries. We need to be confident that we have changed the way we operate to ensure that such events are not allowed to happen again.
The security situation in the area of separation remains dangerous and unstable. It is a war zone in which armed extremist groups remain a real and constant threat, and the reality is that UNDOF personnel are likely to continue to be targeted. New Zealand argued strongly in the process leading up to the adoption of resolution 2294 (2016) today that, as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) takes forward its plans for an incremental return, it must be clear that any return should take place only if the necessary conditions being met to ensure that it can be done safely and effectively. It must be based on a robust assessment of the security situation, which must be kept under continuous review, and DPKO needs to keep the Council updated regularly. UNDOF personnel must also be provided with the technology and equipment necessary for them to carry out their mandate safely.
As the Secretary-General has made clear, it is essential that the parties to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement play their part in enabling the return of UNDOF, including by facilitating the establishment of secure temporary crossing procedures and enabling the mission’s use of technology and equipment necessary for its safety.
In early May, New Zealand hosted a meeting for troop-contributing countries, the Secretariat and Council members as part of our triangular consultations initiative. We also engaged bilaterally with a number of the most affected troop-contributing countries in the lead-up to today’s adoption. Troop-contributing countries shared our concerns about the ability of UNDOF personnel to operate safely in the area of separation. They emphasized the need for UNDOF troops to have the equipment they need to do their jobs.
New Zealand proposed a number of amendments to the draft text. We are pleased that some changes were made, even though they do not fully reflect the extent of our concerns or those conveyed to us by some troop contributing countries. This outcome is in no small part due to the brief time we had to consider the resolution. Given the serious issues involved, particularly with regard to the safety of United Nations personnel, one working day for consultation is unacceptable.
We will continue to engage with Council members and troop-contributing countries further in the months ahead, particularly in advance of the 90-day review in September and the next UNDOF mandate renewal in December. We also encourage DPKO and those that assert the right to hold the pen on this issue to stay in close contact with troop-contributing countries as their plans advance to ensure that they retain the full confidence and support of troop-contributing countries. We trust that the next mandate renewal will allow for more time for Council members to consider the serious issues at stake.