June 07, 2013

Fiji military prepares for Golan Heights mission

17:34 Today (June 7, 2013)
Report by: Apisalome Coka

One hundred and seventy-three military and health personnel are preparing for a United Nations observer mission in the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga says discussions about the mission are ongoing with the UN.

He adds a paper on the mission has been prepared for Cabinet’s consideration.

Tikoitoga says 162 military personnel and 11 health officials have been training and their departure will depend on the Cabinet decision.

Yesterday Austria announced it was pulling out of the 1,000-member U.N. Disengagement Observer Force, due to escalating trouble between the Syrian government and rebel troops.

The Observer Force has helped maintain the peace along the Syrian-Israeli cease-fire line in the Golan Heights since 1974.

India and the Philippines have also contributed military personnel.

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