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FAQ: The New Zealand Defence Force's role in UNTSO
What is the NZDF contribution to UNTSO?
There are eight NZDF personnel serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). They are based in the following locations:
- Two in Syria, Damascus
- Two in Southern Lebanon (Tyre)
- Four in Israel (two in Tiberius, two in Jerusalem)
What is their role?
The UNTSO area of operations covers five Middle Eastern countries including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. The UNTSO headquarters is based in Jerusalem, Israel. An UNTSO Observer Group (or Outstation, as they are known) is based within each of the countries (with the exception of Jordan).
Each of the Outstations has a slightly different mission statement but essentially they are there to ensure that peace agreements or cease fires are observed and any violations to these agreements are reported.
The UNTSO Outstations are as follows:
- Observer Group Golan - Tiberias, Israel
- Observer Group Golan - Damascus, Syria
- Observer Group Egypt - Ismailia, Egypt
- Observer Group Lebanon - Tyre, Lebanon
Observer Group Lebanon's role is to observe and report any violations across the 'blue line' which borders primarily Israel and Lebanon.
Who do the observers report to?
UNTSO personnel answer to UN Headquarters in New York.
How long are they posted to a particular area for? How often are they rotated?
The posting length and rotation cycle varies dependant on the region that UNTSOs are based in. The New Zealanders deploy into the region as individuals, rather than a group.
This page was last reviewed on 27 November 2008 and is current.
