Mandate of UN military observers in Syria will end
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Security Council Chamber
United Nations military observers in Syria will not continue their mission when their mandate ends on 19 August.
The announcement was made by the President of the Security Council, Ambassador Gérard Araud of France, on Thursday.
Security Council diplomats met behind closed door to discuss the future of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).
Ambassador Araud says the Council received a letter from UN Secretary-General saying that the use of heavy weapons and violence did not stop to allow UNSMIS to implement its mandate in the country.
"The dismantling of the UNSMIS will start in a few days. The responsibility of the mission will go from DPKO to DPA, from peacekeeping operations to political affairs. UNSMIS will fade out but what is the most important, there will be a UN presence and we do hope a useful UN presence." (Duration: 19")
