Finland’s participation in the UNDOF mission ends

On 4 June 2018, Finland has concluded its participation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) as planned.

UNDOF was established in 1974 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement. The mission operates in Golan Heights in the areas of separation and limitation. Around 1,000 troops from 9 countries take part in the mission.

As of 2016, Finland has participated in the UNDOF by decision of the President of the Republic with three soldiers at most. At that time, UN chose Brigadier General Mauri Koskela to be the Deputy Commander of the mission. In 2017, the one-year fixed-term participation was continued with another year till 4 June 2018.

Previously, Finland has taken part in the UNDOF from 1979 to 1993 with all in all 6,000 Finnish peacekeepers.

Finland continues its participation in the UN military observer operations with United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East.