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Peacekeeping in the Middle East: UNTSO (UN Truce Supervision Organization) Fact sheet released by the Bureau of International Organization Affairs U.S. Department of State, August 23, 2000

Key Dates

• Started: June 1948
• Current Mandate Expiration: UNTSO's mandate continues until terminated by Security Council decision.

Staffing

	Authorized	Actual (as of 07/01/00)
		Total	U.S.
Observers	154	140	2

Financing (Within the UN regular budget, not by UN peacekeeping assessment)

	Total Annual UN Cost	U.S. share (at 25%)
FY 1999	$24 million	$6 million
FY 2000	$25 million	$6.3 million
FY 2001 estimate	$25 million	$6.3 million

Mandate

UNTSO was the first peacekeeping operation established by the UN (1948). Its mandate is to supervise the cessation of hostilities between the Arabs and Israelis until a comprehensive peace is achieved in the region. UNTSO's activities are spread over territory within five States, and therefore it has relations with five host countries (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria). Currently, UNTSO personnel observe, report, inspect, and help supervise the 1948 cease-fire, which was mandated by the Security Council.

U.S. Interests

UNTSO contributes to the overall stability of the region through providing Military Observers from 22 Nations. The mission demonstrates the international community's interest in a comprehensive peace in the region. UNTSO is the only peacekeeping mission recognized throughout the region and enjoys a solid working relationship with all of the regional parties. UNTSO military observers maintain a reputation for impartial reporting and investigation of cease-fire violations.

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