The 6-member international observer group led by Moroccan General Ahmad Himmish became operational as of today. He leads the technical team charged with preparing the terrain for the arrival of other unarmed blue helmet contingents from the UNTSO mission, set up by the UN in 1948 and based in Jerusalem, tasked with supplying observers to monitor the region’s truces.
The resolution calling for a UN observers’ mission and respect for the Annan plan was unanimously approved by the Security Council. Minister Giulio Terzi defined this unanimous decision as “highly encouraging; the international community”, he said, “has displayed that unity that is indispensable for launching a political process in Syria”.
Terzi also announced that, upon a request by the UN, Italy has immediately an Air Force ready if it becomes necessary to transport vehicles and other equipment for the observers mission, which will have the job of monitoring a ceasefire already sufficiently violated and respect for the other 5 points of the plan drafted by special UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.