Philippines to keep its UN forces in Golan Heights
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Filipino UN peacekeepers, part of a group of 21 peacekeepers held by rebels for three days in southern Syria, wait to address a news conference at the headquarters of the General Command of the Jordanian Army in Amman on March 9, 2013. The Philippines said on Thursday, March 14, 2013, it would keep its contingent of United Nations peacekeepers in the Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels held 21 of them hostage for three days last week. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines said on Thursday it would keep its contingent of United Nations peacekeepers in the Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels held 21 of them hostage for three days last week.
"The Philippine contingent to the UNDOF (UN Disengagement Observer Force) would remain stationed in the Golan Heights to perform its obligation in the name of peace," foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters.
"The Philippines, as a founding member of the UN, remains fully committed to the UN mandate of promoting peace and security."
The UNDOF has been in the Golan Heights since 1974, monitoring a ceasefire between Syria and Israel.
