Middle East situation being monitored for NZDF

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

13 October 2000

MEDIA RELEASE

Middle East situation being monitored for NZDF personnel

“We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East where seven New Zealand Defence Force personnel are currently serving as United Nations Military Observers,” says Land Commander Brigadier Jerry Mateparae.

In accordance with a normal UN procedure all families of UN personnel based in Israel are being moved out of Israel. This includes families of two NZDF officers serving with the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation (UNTSO).

UNTSO is the oldest UN Peacekeeping mission still in operation. It was established in 1948 as a result of the Arab - Israeli conflict which resulted when the state of Israel was proclaimed in that year. NZ provided the first of its military observers to the mission in 1954 when two officers deployed to the area.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wing Commander John Seward, HQ NZDF Press Officer, Ph: (04) 496 7299 or (025) 457 231.

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