The 6-member international observer group led by Moroccan General Ahmad Himmish is now operational. He leads the technical team charged with preparing the terrain for the arrival of other unarmed blue helmet contingents from the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) mission, set up by the UN in 1948 and based in Jerusalem. The organisation is tasked with supplying observers to monitor the region’s truces.
“The unanimous approval is encouraging: a united front is vital”
The resolution calling for a UN observers’ mission and compliance with 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 the unity that is indispensable for launching a political process in Syria”.
Italian aircraft available
Terzi also announced that, at the UN’s request, the Italian Air Force had made an aircraft immediately available to airlift vehicles and other equipment for the observers’ mission. The mission’s job will be to monitor a ceasefire already extensively violated and to ensure compliance with the other 5 points of the plan drafted by special UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.
Ban Ki-moon expresses gratitude for the Italy’s “critical” support
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed gratitude for the crucial support provided by the Italian Government with the airlifting of vehicles and other equipment for the United Nations’ advance mission in Syria so that the monitors are able to be mobile quickly and travel to all locations in Syria.
