By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN peacekeeping chief on Friday said the Israeli army’s presence in the demilitarized Golan Heights zone is creating challenges for the mission and called for its withdrawal.
Noting the "significant changes in Syria" following the ouster of Assad regime, Jean-Pierre Lacroix stressed during a news conference that only the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) should be present in the area of separation, also known as the Golan Heights.
He said that Israeli army's presence "has made it difficult and challenging for them (UNDOF) to implement their mandated activities."
Citing his visits to both Syria and Israel, Lacroix noted positive discussions with the new Syrian government.
Regarding meetings with Israeli officials in Jerusalem, Lacroix said: "We have regular interaction with them on a number of issues."
"I obviously, reiterated our concern about the presence of the IDF (Israeli army) in the area of separation. It's clearly a violation of the 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria," he said.
Saying that he shared UNDOF's complaints received from locals in the area, UN peacekeeping chief "expressed the importance of addressing these concerns and making sure that the safety, security properties, well-being of that population would have to be protected and preserved."
"What I can say is that Israel has been indicating that this is a temporary presence (at the Golan Heights). Obviously, the sooner that presence, which is a violation, ends, the better," he added.
Lacroix further described the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as "tense and volatile, with occasional shooting continuing within the city (of Goma)."
"I would say that, overall, it's calm has been is gradually restored," he said, informing that majority of the water and electricity services have been restored in Goma.
He noted the challenge with unexploded ordnance, and said: "That is obviously an obstacle, a very serious obstacle to freedom movement."
- UN peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Emphasizing the priority of UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) as "protection of its personnel, assets" and the civilians seeking shelter within UN premises, Lacroix noted the importance of continued diplomatic efforts.
While diplomatic talks have yet to yield a cessation of hostilities, Lacroix reported that the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, is "currently progressing towards the south."
"The information I have, is that M23/RDF are about 60 kilometers north of Bukavu, seem to be moving quite fast," Lacroix said, noting that there is an airport in the vicinity.
He stated that if the M23 takes over the airport, it would be a "significant step."
"I have to add, though, that the UN has personnel in Bukavu in South Kivu, and our colleagues are currently working to make sure that they will be safe against the backdrop of what is happening in South Kivu," he added.
Lacroix expressed concern over M23's progress potentially "triggering a wider regional conflict," and said, "diplomatic engagement and activities need to continue."
"It's important to emphasize that the UN premises must be respected, they are inviolable," he said, and urged "full respect of the inviolability of our UN premises."
Armed groups have competed for power and control in the mineral-rich eastern part of DRC for years.
After a rapid advance, the M23 rebel group said it took control of most of the Congolese city of Goma earlier this week.
The group is primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis. Failing to integrate into the Congolese army, it first led an insurgency against the government in 2012 and remerged in 2022.