75 Philippine U.N. peacekeepers defy Syria rebels after 43 Fijians seized
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Pinoy UNDOF official quits after Golan standoff
September 2, 2014 2:16pm
A Filipino official of the peacekeeping forces in Golan Heights has tendered his resignation following disagreement with his superiors regarding the handling of last week's standoff with Syrian rebels.
In a text message to GMA News Online, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Col. Ezra James Enriquez, chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), has “offered to resign” due to “differences over the handling of the Golan crisis.”
Zagala said: “He defied the laying down of firearms and waving the white flag.”
However, he said he has no information on whether or not Enriquez' resignation was accepted.
On Monday, the AFP said it is seeking an investigation against UNDOF commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, an Indian national, for allegedly endangering the safety of the Filipino peacekeeperswhen he ordered them to surrender their firearms to the Syrian rebels.
AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said Singha ordered the Filipino peacekeepers to lay down their firearms to ensure the safety of the Fijian peacekeepers held captive by Syrian rebels. He said the Filipino troops were also ordered to “raise the white flag.”
“Under the Terms of Reference, it wasn’t mentioned there that we can be ordered to surrender our firearms," Catapang said. "The UNDOF commander wanted to save the Fijians at the expense of the Filipinos.”
The Fijian peacekeepers — at least 44 of them — had been seized by Syrian rebels who overran their position last week.
Their 75 Filipino counterparts, who were manning Position 68 and 69, meanwhile figured in a standoff that ended over the weekend after the soldiers escaped following a seven-hour firefight with the rebels. —Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News
Pinoy UNDOF official quits after Golan standoff | Pinoy Abroad | GMA News Online
September 2, 2014 2:16pm
A Filipino official of the peacekeeping forces in Golan Heights has tendered his resignation following disagreement with his superiors regarding the handling of last week's standoff with Syrian rebels.
In a text message to GMA News Online, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Col. Ezra James Enriquez, chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), has “offered to resign” due to “differences over the handling of the Golan crisis.”
Zagala said: “He defied the laying down of firearms and waving the white flag.”
However, he said he has no information on whether or not Enriquez' resignation was accepted.
On Monday, the AFP said it is seeking an investigation against UNDOF commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, an Indian national, for allegedly endangering the safety of the Filipino peacekeeperswhen he ordered them to surrender their firearms to the Syrian rebels.
AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said Singha ordered the Filipino peacekeepers to lay down their firearms to ensure the safety of the Fijian peacekeepers held captive by Syrian rebels. He said the Filipino troops were also ordered to “raise the white flag.”
“Under the Terms of Reference, it wasn’t mentioned there that we can be ordered to surrender our firearms," Catapang said. "The UNDOF commander wanted to save the Fijians at the expense of the Filipinos.”
The Fijian peacekeepers — at least 44 of them — had been seized by Syrian rebels who overran their position last week.
Their 75 Filipino counterparts, who were manning Position 68 and 69, meanwhile figured in a standoff that ended over the weekend after the soldiers escaped following a seven-hour firefight with the rebels. —Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News
Pinoy UNDOF official quits after Golan standoff | Pinoy Abroad | GMA News Online
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UN OFFICIAL DENIES ORDERING FILIPINOS TO SURRENDER
The U.N. peacekeeping force in the area, known as UNDOF, includes 1,223 troops from India, Ireland, Nepal and the Netherlands as well as the Fijians and Filipinos who came under attack last week.
The Filipino blue helmets had been besieged in outposts known as positions 68 and 69 until their rescue from one on Saturday and escape from the other early on Sunday morning. The United Nations said both Syria and Israel helped in the rescue.
The Filipino army chief, General Gregorio Catapang, said his men had defended themselves in defiance of an order from their U.N. commander, who had told them to surrender their weapons to prevent harm befalling the captured Fijians.
"The UNDOF commander wants to save the Fijians at the expense of the Philippines," Catapang told reporters at the main army base in Manila after speaking to Filipino soldiers on the Golan Heights by Skype.
However, a senior U.N. official said no order to surrender their weapons had been given to the Filipinos.
The United Nations has announced that the Philippines will pull out of UNDOF. Austria, Japan and Croatia have also pulled their troops out of the force because of the deteriorating security situation as the civil war in Syria reaches the Golan.
On Sunday, Israel's military said it had shot down a drone that flew from Syria into Israeli-controlled airspace over the Golan. It was not immediately clear who had dispatched the unmanned aircraft or the nature of its mission in an area where fighting from Syria's civil war has occasionally spilled over into Israeli-held territory.
In a statement, the military said the drone was downed by a Patriot missile near the Quneitra crossing.
Syrian army, rebels fight on Golan where peacekeepers held| Reuters
The U.N. peacekeeping force in the area, known as UNDOF, includes 1,223 troops from India, Ireland, Nepal and the Netherlands as well as the Fijians and Filipinos who came under attack last week.
The Filipino blue helmets had been besieged in outposts known as positions 68 and 69 until their rescue from one on Saturday and escape from the other early on Sunday morning. The United Nations said both Syria and Israel helped in the rescue.
The Filipino army chief, General Gregorio Catapang, said his men had defended themselves in defiance of an order from their U.N. commander, who had told them to surrender their weapons to prevent harm befalling the captured Fijians.
"The UNDOF commander wants to save the Fijians at the expense of the Philippines," Catapang told reporters at the main army base in Manila after speaking to Filipino soldiers on the Golan Heights by Skype.
However, a senior U.N. official said no order to surrender their weapons had been given to the Filipinos.
The United Nations has announced that the Philippines will pull out of UNDOF. Austria, Japan and Croatia have also pulled their troops out of the force because of the deteriorating security situation as the civil war in Syria reaches the Golan.
On Sunday, Israel's military said it had shot down a drone that flew from Syria into Israeli-controlled airspace over the Golan. It was not immediately clear who had dispatched the unmanned aircraft or the nature of its mission in an area where fighting from Syria's civil war has occasionally spilled over into Israeli-held territory.
In a statement, the military said the drone was downed by a Patriot missile near the Quneitra crossing.
Syrian army, rebels fight on Golan where peacekeepers held| Reuters
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Syrian Rebels Threat To Filipino UN Peacekeepers A War Crime
The Center for International Law (CenterLaw) said today Syrian rebels who have surrounded Filipino soldiers who are part of the UN contingent of peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and threaten to hold them hostage violate the latter’s protected status under international law .
“UN peacekeepers have been deployed not to take part in hostilities as combatants but to maintain international peace and security under the UN Charter,” said lawyer Romel Bagares, Executive Director of the non-profit dedicated to the promotion of international legal norms in Asia and the Philippines. “They therefore remain protected as civilian non-combatants and are not to be targeted nor taken as prisoners of war by any of the parties to the hostilities.”
Bagares appealed to the Syrian rebels to respect the Geneva Conventions granting protected status to UN peacekeepers, warning that they may be prosecuted for war crimes if they insist on ignoring the distinction between peacekeepers and combatants under the law on armed conflict and attack the UN peacekeepers.
He said three rebel commanders in Sudan are now being prosecuted before the International Criminal Court for leading an attack on African Union peacekeepers in Darfur.
“All persons who are neither members of the armed forces of a party to the are entitled to protection against direct attack unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities.,” said Bagares.
Intentionally directing attacks against a peacekeeping mission is a crime under the Rome Statute, which created the world’s first permanent international criminal tribunal.
In this case, it is clear that the Filipino soldiers had been deployed under the color and authority of the UN and are readily distinguishable from combatants in the conflict for that reason, according to the lawyer.
He added that the Filipino peacekeepers have a recognized right to self-defense under international law and may use force to protect themselves from any attack.
Harry Roque's Blog « Thoughts of an activist lawyer
The Center for International Law (CenterLaw) said today Syrian rebels who have surrounded Filipino soldiers who are part of the UN contingent of peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and threaten to hold them hostage violate the latter’s protected status under international law .
“UN peacekeepers have been deployed not to take part in hostilities as combatants but to maintain international peace and security under the UN Charter,” said lawyer Romel Bagares, Executive Director of the non-profit dedicated to the promotion of international legal norms in Asia and the Philippines. “They therefore remain protected as civilian non-combatants and are not to be targeted nor taken as prisoners of war by any of the parties to the hostilities.”
Bagares appealed to the Syrian rebels to respect the Geneva Conventions granting protected status to UN peacekeepers, warning that they may be prosecuted for war crimes if they insist on ignoring the distinction between peacekeepers and combatants under the law on armed conflict and attack the UN peacekeepers.
He said three rebel commanders in Sudan are now being prosecuted before the International Criminal Court for leading an attack on African Union peacekeepers in Darfur.
“All persons who are neither members of the armed forces of a party to the are entitled to protection against direct attack unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities.,” said Bagares.
Intentionally directing attacks against a peacekeeping mission is a crime under the Rome Statute, which created the world’s first permanent international criminal tribunal.
In this case, it is clear that the Filipino soldiers had been deployed under the color and authority of the UN and are readily distinguishable from combatants in the conflict for that reason, according to the lawyer.
He added that the Filipino peacekeepers have a recognized right to self-defense under international law and may use force to protect themselves from any attack.
Harry Roque's Blog « Thoughts of an activist lawyer
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Even if the PH Peacekeepers were given the order to surrender at that situation, I doubt that they would simply lay down their arms and I really doubt that they would raise the white flag.
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DFA to push AFP complaint vs UNDOF commander
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 09/02/2014 7:42 PM | Updated as of 09/02/2014 7:42 PM
MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now in close consultation with the United Nations to relay the complaints of the Armed Forces of the Philippines over the actions of its commander in the Golan Heights incident.
DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the department is closely coordinating with the Department of National Defense over the complaints of AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang against United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Commander Gen. Sing Singha.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. expressed his lack of confidence with the UNDOF commander over his handling of the situation of Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights.
When the Syrian rebels encircled the Filipino peacekeepers last week, Singha supposedly ordered them to surrender their firearms once the rebels attack.
“I countermanded the order of the UNDOF commander who said that if we are attacked, we should surrender and raise the white flag,” Catapang has said.
He dismissed the commander’s order saying, “We will not do that. We won’t be put to shame.”
He said he knew the rules of engagement there since he was the one who was directed to set-up the Filipino delegation back in 2009.
He said the peacekeepers can’t surrender their own firearms since it will be used by the rebels for to wage war. – with reports from Jay Ruiz, ABS-CBN News
DFA to push AFP complaint vs UNDOF commander | ABS-CBN News
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 09/02/2014 7:42 PM | Updated as of 09/02/2014 7:42 PM
MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now in close consultation with the United Nations to relay the complaints of the Armed Forces of the Philippines over the actions of its commander in the Golan Heights incident.
DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the department is closely coordinating with the Department of National Defense over the complaints of AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang against United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Commander Gen. Sing Singha.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. expressed his lack of confidence with the UNDOF commander over his handling of the situation of Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights.
When the Syrian rebels encircled the Filipino peacekeepers last week, Singha supposedly ordered them to surrender their firearms once the rebels attack.
“I countermanded the order of the UNDOF commander who said that if we are attacked, we should surrender and raise the white flag,” Catapang has said.
He dismissed the commander’s order saying, “We will not do that. We won’t be put to shame.”
He said he knew the rules of engagement there since he was the one who was directed to set-up the Filipino delegation back in 2009.
He said the peacekeepers can’t surrender their own firearms since it will be used by the rebels for to wage war. – with reports from Jay Ruiz, ABS-CBN News
DFA to push AFP complaint vs UNDOF commander | ABS-CBN News
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UNDOF commander rejected resignation of Filipino chief-of-staff - AFP
By: Philippines News Agency
September 3, 2014 7:56 PM
MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines said United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) commander, Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, has rejected the resignation of his chief-of-staff, Col. James Ezra Enriquez, in the aftermath of last weekend's Golan Heights standoff that ended with Filipino peacekeepers ignoring Singha's order for them to yield their arms to Syrian rebels who attacked the UN outpost.
Instead, the Indian commander has placed Enriquez on administrative leave until the repatriation of the 331-strong Filipino contingent in the Golan Heights is repatriated this October.
The latter earlier resigned owing to differences in opinion regarding the handling of Singha of the Golan Heights stand-off crisis.
The UNDOF commander last Thursday ordered the Filipino contingents in Positions 68 and 69 to surrender their weapons upon learning that 44 Fijian peacekeepers were captured by Syrian rebels.
"Col. Enriquez, the chief-of-staff of UNDOF, because of disagreement with the force commander offered his resignation but the force commander instead put him on administrative leave until the repatriation of the troops from Golan Heights," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.
He added that Enriquez cannot be faulted for countermanding the order of the UNDOF commander as he was only exercising his prerogative of protecting and ensuring the safety of Filipino troops under him.
Primary mission of UNDOF
Zagala also said that the primary mission of the UNDOF is to ensure the separation of Israel and Syria from the Golan Heights so that their forces will not fire at each other.
The AFP public affairs office chief said that another reason why the UNDOF commander did not accept Enriquez's resignation is that the latter together with other staff are inducted directly by the UN, meaning they are selected directly by the world body, unlike members of the peacekeeping mission who were selected and deployed there by their respective countries.
And on claims that Singha denied ordering the surrender of Filipino troops, Zagala said it is a recognized fact that the UNDOF commander did order the repositioning of Positions 68 and 69 but change his mind on Position 68.
This took place during the height of the stand-off.
"We do not (know) the reason why he changed his orders, the orders of the force commander as relayed by Col. Enriquez was for Filipino troops to raise the white flag and give up their arms (when another rebel attack takes place) so what does that tell you," he added.
The AFP was earlier instructed to prepare a detailed report concerning the stand-off in the Golan Heights.
This was confirmed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Tuesday.
"We were instructed by the President (Benigno Aquino III) (to prepare the report) during a meeting together with the Secretary of National Defense. (The AFP was told) to document the blow-by-blow events that occurred," he added.
Catapang said it will (be) up to higher authorities to decide on whether the Philippines will file a protest regarding the handling of the UNDOF commander on the matter.
The filing of a protest is a right of the Philippine government as a troop- contributing nation to UN peacekeeping missions.
Catapang earlier said that AFP countermanded the order of Singha which called for the Filipinos in Position 68 and 69 to surrender their weapons, in what observers said, was a vain attempt to save the 44 Fijians.
Fijian peacekeepers still missing
According to reports, the 44 Fijians gave up their firearms without a fight and as a result were held hostage by the Syrian rebels when the stand-off began Thursday. The Fijians are still missing.
Catapang said there is no section or clause in the terms of reference (UN deployment of peacekeepers) authorizing troops contributing countries to authorize the surrender of their firearms in the event of harassment or attack.
"It's not our fault that the Fijian peacekeepers were captured and held hostage, what I told the UNDOF commander was that he should save the Philippine contingent (in Positions 68 and 69) so that we can help the Fijians," the AFP chief stressed.
Besides, Catapang said there is no assurance that the Syrian rebels will not capture the Filipino force once they surrendered their weapons.
"And if that happens, the UNDOF commander will have a bigger problem in his hands," the AFP chief stated.
UNDOF commander rejected resignation of Filipino chief-of-staff - AFP
Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights are armed with M-4 automatic rifles, M-60 machine-guns, K-3 squad automatic weapons, and .45 caliber pistols.
Catapang also said that surrendering of weapons, even if it is a ceremonial one as being proposed by the Al Nusra Front, is frowned upon by the AFP as it is a symbol of a Filipino soldier's martial honor.
Filipino troops attached to the UNDOF were placed at 331 officers and enlisted personnel.
Catapang added that this action of the Philippine side did not contradict the UNDOF orders as troops contributing countries have leeway to countermand orders when it affects their national interest like continued security and safety of their military personnel.
By: Philippines News Agency
September 3, 2014 7:56 PM
MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines said United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) commander, Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, has rejected the resignation of his chief-of-staff, Col. James Ezra Enriquez, in the aftermath of last weekend's Golan Heights standoff that ended with Filipino peacekeepers ignoring Singha's order for them to yield their arms to Syrian rebels who attacked the UN outpost.
Instead, the Indian commander has placed Enriquez on administrative leave until the repatriation of the 331-strong Filipino contingent in the Golan Heights is repatriated this October.
The latter earlier resigned owing to differences in opinion regarding the handling of Singha of the Golan Heights stand-off crisis.
The UNDOF commander last Thursday ordered the Filipino contingents in Positions 68 and 69 to surrender their weapons upon learning that 44 Fijian peacekeepers were captured by Syrian rebels.
"Col. Enriquez, the chief-of-staff of UNDOF, because of disagreement with the force commander offered his resignation but the force commander instead put him on administrative leave until the repatriation of the troops from Golan Heights," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.
He added that Enriquez cannot be faulted for countermanding the order of the UNDOF commander as he was only exercising his prerogative of protecting and ensuring the safety of Filipino troops under him.
Primary mission of UNDOF
Zagala also said that the primary mission of the UNDOF is to ensure the separation of Israel and Syria from the Golan Heights so that their forces will not fire at each other.
The AFP public affairs office chief said that another reason why the UNDOF commander did not accept Enriquez's resignation is that the latter together with other staff are inducted directly by the UN, meaning they are selected directly by the world body, unlike members of the peacekeeping mission who were selected and deployed there by their respective countries.
And on claims that Singha denied ordering the surrender of Filipino troops, Zagala said it is a recognized fact that the UNDOF commander did order the repositioning of Positions 68 and 69 but change his mind on Position 68.
This took place during the height of the stand-off.
"We do not (know) the reason why he changed his orders, the orders of the force commander as relayed by Col. Enriquez was for Filipino troops to raise the white flag and give up their arms (when another rebel attack takes place) so what does that tell you," he added.
The AFP was earlier instructed to prepare a detailed report concerning the stand-off in the Golan Heights.
This was confirmed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Tuesday.
"We were instructed by the President (Benigno Aquino III) (to prepare the report) during a meeting together with the Secretary of National Defense. (The AFP was told) to document the blow-by-blow events that occurred," he added.
Catapang said it will (be) up to higher authorities to decide on whether the Philippines will file a protest regarding the handling of the UNDOF commander on the matter.
The filing of a protest is a right of the Philippine government as a troop- contributing nation to UN peacekeeping missions.
Catapang earlier said that AFP countermanded the order of Singha which called for the Filipinos in Position 68 and 69 to surrender their weapons, in what observers said, was a vain attempt to save the 44 Fijians.
Fijian peacekeepers still missing
According to reports, the 44 Fijians gave up their firearms without a fight and as a result were held hostage by the Syrian rebels when the stand-off began Thursday. The Fijians are still missing.
Catapang said there is no section or clause in the terms of reference (UN deployment of peacekeepers) authorizing troops contributing countries to authorize the surrender of their firearms in the event of harassment or attack.
"It's not our fault that the Fijian peacekeepers were captured and held hostage, what I told the UNDOF commander was that he should save the Philippine contingent (in Positions 68 and 69) so that we can help the Fijians," the AFP chief stressed.
Besides, Catapang said there is no assurance that the Syrian rebels will not capture the Filipino force once they surrendered their weapons.
"And if that happens, the UNDOF commander will have a bigger problem in his hands," the AFP chief stated.
UNDOF commander rejected resignation of Filipino chief-of-staff - AFP
Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights are armed with M-4 automatic rifles, M-60 machine-guns, K-3 squad automatic weapons, and .45 caliber pistols.
Catapang also said that surrendering of weapons, even if it is a ceremonial one as being proposed by the Al Nusra Front, is frowned upon by the AFP as it is a symbol of a Filipino soldier's martial honor.
Filipino troops attached to the UNDOF were placed at 331 officers and enlisted personnel.
Catapang added that this action of the Philippine side did not contradict the UNDOF orders as troops contributing countries have leeway to countermand orders when it affects their national interest like continued security and safety of their military personnel.
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Indian officer with UN breaks silence on peacekeeping row
Manu Pubby New Delhi, September 3, 2014 | UPDATED 20:37 IST
A top Indian Lt Gen commanding the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) -- that is currently engaged in a confrontation with the Al Nusra rebel group of Syria -- at Golan Heights, has broken his silence on major a controversy that erupted this week after the Philippine military sough a formal investigation against him for allegedly endangering the safety of its peacekeeping troops.
After reports from Manila, in which the Philippines armed forces chief alleged that Lt-Gen Iqbal Singh Singha endangered the Filipino troops by ordering them to lay down their weapons to Syrian rebels to ensure the safety of 44 Fijian peacekeepers earlier taken hostage, Singha told the India Today that both the UN and the Indian Army backed his decision that has so far not resulted in any UN casualties.
Speaking over the phone from Golan Heights, Singha said that disregarding his orders of putting down arms, the Filipino troops had endangered the lives of 44 Fijian peacekeepers who have been besieged by the rebels and are in the conflict area. "The non-professional actions of the Filipino troops have endangered the lives of the Fijian soldiers. They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit," Singha said. The officer, who has had a vast experience of commanding troops in Kashmir and other conflict zones, added that the UN has supported his call on the issue. "The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct. It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place," the officer said. "They broke the chain of command and UN orders", he added.
Sources said that the Filipino troops disregarded the orders by the Commander to not fire for effect against the rebels and in the process killed three combatants. This has raised tempers questions against the UN troops in the area.
"We had already moved 212 Filipinos to safety. There was only one post left with 40 soldiers and we were negotiating for them too and had secured a ceasefire for the night. Military action would have resulted in casualties on both sides and that would have also affected the fate of 45 Fijians abducted earlier," the officer said.
Adding that the "UN HQ has backed me up for all decisions." Sources have also alleged that the Philippine side had been facing trouble due to indiscipline and callousness earlier with 22 of them being abducted last year in the same area after they defied orders and moved without weapons. In an incident last year, rebels had even taken two machine guns from a Philippine post.
Incidentally, Singha was appreciated by both the UN and the US State Department for his role earlier this month in securing the release of a US journalist who was kidnapped by Syrian rebels.
Besides, Singha who is commanding the mission, India has 194 soldiers under 1,250-troop UNDOF, which was established to maintain the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces and supervise their disengagement. The mission has seen action lately after the Syrian civil war.
India is one of the largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions with 6,865 soldiers deployed in across the world.
Indian officer with UN breaks silence on peacekeeping row : Latest of the Lot, News - India Today
Manu Pubby New Delhi, September 3, 2014 | UPDATED 20:37 IST
A top Indian Lt Gen commanding the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) -- that is currently engaged in a confrontation with the Al Nusra rebel group of Syria -- at Golan Heights, has broken his silence on major a controversy that erupted this week after the Philippine military sough a formal investigation against him for allegedly endangering the safety of its peacekeeping troops.
After reports from Manila, in which the Philippines armed forces chief alleged that Lt-Gen Iqbal Singh Singha endangered the Filipino troops by ordering them to lay down their weapons to Syrian rebels to ensure the safety of 44 Fijian peacekeepers earlier taken hostage, Singha told the India Today that both the UN and the Indian Army backed his decision that has so far not resulted in any UN casualties.
Speaking over the phone from Golan Heights, Singha said that disregarding his orders of putting down arms, the Filipino troops had endangered the lives of 44 Fijian peacekeepers who have been besieged by the rebels and are in the conflict area. "The non-professional actions of the Filipino troops have endangered the lives of the Fijian soldiers. They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit," Singha said. The officer, who has had a vast experience of commanding troops in Kashmir and other conflict zones, added that the UN has supported his call on the issue. "The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct. It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place," the officer said. "They broke the chain of command and UN orders", he added.
Sources said that the Filipino troops disregarded the orders by the Commander to not fire for effect against the rebels and in the process killed three combatants. This has raised tempers questions against the UN troops in the area.
"We had already moved 212 Filipinos to safety. There was only one post left with 40 soldiers and we were negotiating for them too and had secured a ceasefire for the night. Military action would have resulted in casualties on both sides and that would have also affected the fate of 45 Fijians abducted earlier," the officer said.
Adding that the "UN HQ has backed me up for all decisions." Sources have also alleged that the Philippine side had been facing trouble due to indiscipline and callousness earlier with 22 of them being abducted last year in the same area after they defied orders and moved without weapons. In an incident last year, rebels had even taken two machine guns from a Philippine post.
Incidentally, Singha was appreciated by both the UN and the US State Department for his role earlier this month in securing the release of a US journalist who was kidnapped by Syrian rebels.
Besides, Singha who is commanding the mission, India has 194 soldiers under 1,250-troop UNDOF, which was established to maintain the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces and supervise their disengagement. The mission has seen action lately after the Syrian civil war.
India is one of the largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions with 6,865 soldiers deployed in across the world.
Indian officer with UN breaks silence on peacekeeping row : Latest of the Lot, News - India Today
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U.N. denies Golan peacekeepers ordered to hand arms to Syria rebel
By Louis Charbonneau
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. peacekeeping chief strongly denied on Wednesday allegations from the Philippines' army chief that Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights were ordered to surrender their weapons to Islamist militants who had trapped them.
Filipino army chief General Gregorio Catapang said his soldiers had defended themselves against Islamist rebels last weekend in defiance of an order from their U.N. force commander to surrender their weapons, a move that would be highly controversial in the six-nation, blue-helmeted force.
The U.N.'s under-secretary-general for peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, denied that any such order was given.
The back-and-forth underlines a rise in tensions in the U.N. peacekeeping force following weekend skirmishes with Islamist militants in Israeli-controlled territory on Syria's southeastern border.
Islamist fighters battling the Syrian army overran last week a crossing point in the line that has separated Israelis from Syrians in the Golan Heights since a 1973 war, the most recent escalation of Syria's civil war, now in its fourth year.
The fighters then turned against U.N. blue helmets from a peacekeeping force that has patrolled the ceasefire line since 1974. After 45 Fijians were captured on Thursday, 72 Filipinos were besieged at two other locations for two days by militants before they escaped.
The militants, believed to be part of an al-Qaeda-linked group known as Nusra Front, are still holding the 45 Fijian members of the United Nations' UNDOF Golan Heights force.
Catapang said that at one point while the Filipinos were trapped, UNDOF Force Commander General Iqbal Singh Singha of India ordered the soldiers to surrender their arms to prevent harm from befalling the captured Fijians.
Asked what order was given to the Filipinos, Ladsous replied, "Never to hand over weapons."
The order was simply "not to shoot," he said.
One U.N. official told Reuters that no force commander would order his troops to hand over weapons to rebels. If that were to happen, the official said, the commander would "be out of a job" since countries that supply weapons and materiel to the force would be reluctant to re-supply the mission.
Several Security Council diplomats said the issue of what orders might have been given was discussed on Wednesday in a closed-door meeting of the 15-nation body.
In that meeting, Ladsous expressed full support for Singha, diplomats who were present told Reuters. Ladsous later told reporters that Singha had "exercised good sound judgment all along" during the crisis.
Ladsous said the United Nations had not confirmed that the militants who attacked the Filipinos and are holding the Fijians belong to Nusra Front.
UNDOF troops were kidnapped twice last year and in both cases were released unharmed.
(Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato in Manila; Editing by Jason Szep and Leslie Adler)
U.N. denies Golan peacekeepers ordered to hand arms to Syria rebels - Yahoo News
By Louis Charbonneau
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. peacekeeping chief strongly denied on Wednesday allegations from the Philippines' army chief that Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights were ordered to surrender their weapons to Islamist militants who had trapped them.
Filipino army chief General Gregorio Catapang said his soldiers had defended themselves against Islamist rebels last weekend in defiance of an order from their U.N. force commander to surrender their weapons, a move that would be highly controversial in the six-nation, blue-helmeted force.
The U.N.'s under-secretary-general for peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, denied that any such order was given.
The back-and-forth underlines a rise in tensions in the U.N. peacekeeping force following weekend skirmishes with Islamist militants in Israeli-controlled territory on Syria's southeastern border.
Islamist fighters battling the Syrian army overran last week a crossing point in the line that has separated Israelis from Syrians in the Golan Heights since a 1973 war, the most recent escalation of Syria's civil war, now in its fourth year.
The fighters then turned against U.N. blue helmets from a peacekeeping force that has patrolled the ceasefire line since 1974. After 45 Fijians were captured on Thursday, 72 Filipinos were besieged at two other locations for two days by militants before they escaped.
The militants, believed to be part of an al-Qaeda-linked group known as Nusra Front, are still holding the 45 Fijian members of the United Nations' UNDOF Golan Heights force.
Catapang said that at one point while the Filipinos were trapped, UNDOF Force Commander General Iqbal Singh Singha of India ordered the soldiers to surrender their arms to prevent harm from befalling the captured Fijians.
Asked what order was given to the Filipinos, Ladsous replied, "Never to hand over weapons."
The order was simply "not to shoot," he said.
One U.N. official told Reuters that no force commander would order his troops to hand over weapons to rebels. If that were to happen, the official said, the commander would "be out of a job" since countries that supply weapons and materiel to the force would be reluctant to re-supply the mission.
Several Security Council diplomats said the issue of what orders might have been given was discussed on Wednesday in a closed-door meeting of the 15-nation body.
In that meeting, Ladsous expressed full support for Singha, diplomats who were present told Reuters. Ladsous later told reporters that Singha had "exercised good sound judgment all along" during the crisis.
Ladsous said the United Nations had not confirmed that the militants who attacked the Filipinos and are holding the Fijians belong to Nusra Front.
UNDOF troops were kidnapped twice last year and in both cases were released unharmed.
(Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato in Manila; Editing by Jason Szep and Leslie Adler)
U.N. denies Golan peacekeepers ordered to hand arms to Syria rebels - Yahoo News
Cossack25A1
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Considering that some of the UN Peacekeeping operations ended in failure with some getting killed in places like Rwanda, it is time for the PH military to pull back our troops from the Golan Heights. That place has no strategic value for us and it is someone's problem, not ours.
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General denies Fiji Muslims face UN hostage backlash
Published 12:12 PM, Sep 04, 2014
SUVA, Fiji – Fiji's army chief on Thursday, September 4, dismissed as "sick" a suggestion the Pacific nation's Muslim minority will face a backlash if 45 UN peacekeepers taken hostage by Islamic rebels in the Golan Heights are harmed.
Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga also defended the action of his troops in surrendering to Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front rebels, even though a contingent of 75 Filipino peacekeepers who defied an order to lay down their weapons all escaped unscathed.
Tikoitoga, speaking to reporters in Suva just hours after the UN Security Council demanded the Fijians' immediate release, said the location of the Blue Helmets was still unknown.
He also revealed that talks with their captors had hit a "lull" but said specialized UN negotiators flown in from New York to deal with the crisis had told him this was normal in a hostage situation.
"They (the rebels) do not establish contact so that they can regain the initiative on negotiations," he said.
"But these are (just) tactics they use and I hope that we will resume discussions soon and we can get them back on the line."
The Islamic fighters have made at least three demands, including that the Al-Nusra Front be removed from the UN's list of terrorist organizations.
Former Fiji prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Radio New Zealand on Wednesday, September 3, that Fiji's Muslim community, which numbers about 60,000 in an overall population of 900,000, could face retaliation if the islanders serving with the UN were harmed.
"If anything should happen to the 45 then the unsuspecting and probably undeserving people who will bear the brunt of the feelings of the people could be the Muslim civil society and community in Fiji," he said.
Tikoitoga said the Fiji military was committed to treating all citizens equally and accused Rabuka of inflaming ethnic tensions.
"It's very irresponsible and I think it's closing in on inciting violence in Fiji. We should condemn it... it only shows the sick attitude of that individual," he said.
"The RFMF (military) will look after all Fijians and we don't hold anything against any Fijians for what's happening. This is a time we should all stand together, it is not the time to start pointing fingers at each other, especially internally."
Asked why his men surrendered, Tikoitoga said they were following a direct order from the commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
"At no stage in an operation would I expect any of my officers not to follow the decisions of the first commander," he said. "The Filipinos chose to do so and the Philippines government have supported them for having chosen that path.
"We cannot criticize them for it, nor can we follow the decision they have made, we live by our own ethos of following command."
He said officers on the ground had to make a snap decision in a fraught situation. –Rappler.com
General denies Fiji Muslims face UN hostage backlash
Published 12:12 PM, Sep 04, 2014
SUVA, Fiji – Fiji's army chief on Thursday, September 4, dismissed as "sick" a suggestion the Pacific nation's Muslim minority will face a backlash if 45 UN peacekeepers taken hostage by Islamic rebels in the Golan Heights are harmed.
Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga also defended the action of his troops in surrendering to Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front rebels, even though a contingent of 75 Filipino peacekeepers who defied an order to lay down their weapons all escaped unscathed.
Tikoitoga, speaking to reporters in Suva just hours after the UN Security Council demanded the Fijians' immediate release, said the location of the Blue Helmets was still unknown.
He also revealed that talks with their captors had hit a "lull" but said specialized UN negotiators flown in from New York to deal with the crisis had told him this was normal in a hostage situation.
"They (the rebels) do not establish contact so that they can regain the initiative on negotiations," he said.
"But these are (just) tactics they use and I hope that we will resume discussions soon and we can get them back on the line."
The Islamic fighters have made at least three demands, including that the Al-Nusra Front be removed from the UN's list of terrorist organizations.
Former Fiji prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Radio New Zealand on Wednesday, September 3, that Fiji's Muslim community, which numbers about 60,000 in an overall population of 900,000, could face retaliation if the islanders serving with the UN were harmed.
"If anything should happen to the 45 then the unsuspecting and probably undeserving people who will bear the brunt of the feelings of the people could be the Muslim civil society and community in Fiji," he said.
Tikoitoga said the Fiji military was committed to treating all citizens equally and accused Rabuka of inflaming ethnic tensions.
"It's very irresponsible and I think it's closing in on inciting violence in Fiji. We should condemn it... it only shows the sick attitude of that individual," he said.
"The RFMF (military) will look after all Fijians and we don't hold anything against any Fijians for what's happening. This is a time we should all stand together, it is not the time to start pointing fingers at each other, especially internally."
Asked why his men surrendered, Tikoitoga said they were following a direct order from the commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
"At no stage in an operation would I expect any of my officers not to follow the decisions of the first commander," he said. "The Filipinos chose to do so and the Philippines government have supported them for having chosen that path.
"We cannot criticize them for it, nor can we follow the decision they have made, we live by our own ethos of following command."
He said officers on the ground had to make a snap decision in a fraught situation. –Rappler.com
General denies Fiji Muslims face UN hostage backlash
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UNDOF commander: Filipinos' defiance unprofessional
(philstar.com) | Updated September 4, 2014 - 2:43pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Indian commander of the United Nations' (UN) peacekeeping force broke his silence on the Philippine military's accusations that he misguidedly ordered besieged Filipino troops to surrender their arms to rebels in Golan Heights over the weekend.
In an interview with a Noida-based newspaper, UN Disengagement Observer Force Commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha criticized the defiance of the 40 trapped Filipino peacekeepers as "non-professional."
Singha said the Filipinos' resistance further compromised the situation of the Fijian peacekeepers earlier abducted by the Syrian rebels affiliated with al-Qaeda.
"The non-professional actions of the Filipino troops have endangered the lives of the Fijian soldiers," Singha told the India Times in a report published Thursday (Manila time).
"They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit," he added.
The military leader's statement coincided with the UN's denial that the order was issued. The organization said, however, that it backs Singha's decisions during the siege and commended him for sending a quick reaction force to extract trapped men.
Singha, meanwhile, called what the Armed Forces of the Philippines dubbed the "greatest escape" of 40 troops from Position 68 nothing but an "act of cowardice."
"The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct. It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place," he said.
He also insisted that the troops broke the chain of command and overstepped the UN leadership's authority when their safety and the release of the hostages were still being negotiated for.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday called on "countries with influence" to press the insurgents to release the peacekeepers from Fiji abducted last week.
The council also welcomed the news that all Filipinos were safe and commended the UN peacekeeping mission's quick reaction force for extracting them to safety.
Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, earlier called for an investigation on Singha for ordering members of the Philippine contingent to surrender their weapons to the rebel fighters.
"Gen. Singha ordered no military operations. So, it's still to be investigated, why the order of Gen. Singha was, there will be no reinforcement. Because he was already there, we were monitoring him. And then all of a sudden, he changed his mind," Catapang said. - Camille Diola with reports AP
UNDOF commander: Filipinos' defiance unprofessional | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
(philstar.com) | Updated September 4, 2014 - 2:43pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Indian commander of the United Nations' (UN) peacekeeping force broke his silence on the Philippine military's accusations that he misguidedly ordered besieged Filipino troops to surrender their arms to rebels in Golan Heights over the weekend.
In an interview with a Noida-based newspaper, UN Disengagement Observer Force Commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha criticized the defiance of the 40 trapped Filipino peacekeepers as "non-professional."
Singha said the Filipinos' resistance further compromised the situation of the Fijian peacekeepers earlier abducted by the Syrian rebels affiliated with al-Qaeda.
"The non-professional actions of the Filipino troops have endangered the lives of the Fijian soldiers," Singha told the India Times in a report published Thursday (Manila time).
"They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit," he added.
The military leader's statement coincided with the UN's denial that the order was issued. The organization said, however, that it backs Singha's decisions during the siege and commended him for sending a quick reaction force to extract trapped men.
Singha, meanwhile, called what the Armed Forces of the Philippines dubbed the "greatest escape" of 40 troops from Position 68 nothing but an "act of cowardice."
"The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct. It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place," he said.
He also insisted that the troops broke the chain of command and overstepped the UN leadership's authority when their safety and the release of the hostages were still being negotiated for.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday called on "countries with influence" to press the insurgents to release the peacekeepers from Fiji abducted last week.
The council also welcomed the news that all Filipinos were safe and commended the UN peacekeeping mission's quick reaction force for extracting them to safety.
Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, earlier called for an investigation on Singha for ordering members of the Philippine contingent to surrender their weapons to the rebel fighters.
"Gen. Singha ordered no military operations. So, it's still to be investigated, why the order of Gen. Singha was, there will be no reinforcement. Because he was already there, we were monitoring him. And then all of a sudden, he changed his mind," Catapang said. - Camille Diola with reports AP
UNDOF commander: Filipinos' defiance unprofessional | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
Cossack25A1
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Filipino Troops' Escape From Syria Insurgents Stirs UN Criticism - WSJ
----------------------------------
Filipino Troops' Escape From Syria Insurgents Stirs UN Criticism
By: Cris Larano, Sept. 3, 2014 9:21 p.m. ET
MANILA—The dramatic escape of dozens of Filipino troops from insurgent forces in Syria last week is providing a glimpse into the discord that could plague the United Nations' peacekeeping missions.
The Philippines is now weighing whether to file a complaint against the commander of the U.N.'s peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights, Indian Lt. General Iqbal Singh Singha, who allegedly ordered Filipino soldiers to surrender to Syrian rebels who attacked and surrounded their encampment.
The Filipino chief of staff in the U.N. unit resigned to protest the way the U.N. commander handled the situation, Philippine authorities said Tuesday.
General Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told foreign correspondents in Manila that Gen. Singha ordered the Filipino soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender to the rebels if the attack intensified.
The Philippine military and country's Department of National Defense were in direct contact with the Filipino soldiers as Syrian rebels laid siege on their positions on Saturday. The Philippine army ordered 35 soldiers in one position and 40 in another area not to surrender their weapons since the rebels had earlier disarmed and taken 44 Fijian peacekeepers as hostages.
The group of 35 Filipino soldiers was pulled out of their position but the group of 40 were ordered to surrender after engaging the rebels in a seven-hour firefight.
Gen. Catapang said that instead of extricating the remaining Filipino soldiers, Gen. Singha ordered them to surrender, an order that the soldiers defied for fear of being "massacred" by their captors. Implementing an escape plan authorized from the Philippine military headquarters in Manila, Gen. Catapang said the Filipino soldiers were able to flee to safety under the cover of darkness. "Fortunately, the area wasn't foggy. It was a difficult escape route; it was mined," the general said, describing the troops' escape.
The U.N.'s Disengagement Observer Force didn't respond to requests for comment. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said at a briefing Tuesday that the body will respond to any formal request made by any member state but declined to say more as the hostage situation involving the Fijian peacekeeping troops continued.
Gen. Catapang said President Benigno Aquino III is awaiting a full report from the Philippine armed forces regarding the events to determine the country's proper course of action. He said that the Philippines still intends to participate in U.N. peacekeeping missions and added that the contingent in the Golan Heights will complete their tour of duty, which ends in October.
Congressman Rodolfo Biazon, a former armed forces chief of staff, said that Congress will investigate the incident to obtain more clarity on the U.N.'s peacekeeping policy, particularly in situations where troops are confronted by rebel forces. "Is it U.N. policy to order peacekeepers to surrender?" Mr. Biazon asked.
—Joe Lauria contributed to this article.
----------------------------------
Filipino Troops' Escape From Syria Insurgents Stirs UN Criticism
By: Cris Larano, Sept. 3, 2014 9:21 p.m. ET
MANILA—The dramatic escape of dozens of Filipino troops from insurgent forces in Syria last week is providing a glimpse into the discord that could plague the United Nations' peacekeeping missions.
The Philippines is now weighing whether to file a complaint against the commander of the U.N.'s peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights, Indian Lt. General Iqbal Singh Singha, who allegedly ordered Filipino soldiers to surrender to Syrian rebels who attacked and surrounded their encampment.
The Filipino chief of staff in the U.N. unit resigned to protest the way the U.N. commander handled the situation, Philippine authorities said Tuesday.
General Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told foreign correspondents in Manila that Gen. Singha ordered the Filipino soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender to the rebels if the attack intensified.
The Philippine military and country's Department of National Defense were in direct contact with the Filipino soldiers as Syrian rebels laid siege on their positions on Saturday. The Philippine army ordered 35 soldiers in one position and 40 in another area not to surrender their weapons since the rebels had earlier disarmed and taken 44 Fijian peacekeepers as hostages.
The group of 35 Filipino soldiers was pulled out of their position but the group of 40 were ordered to surrender after engaging the rebels in a seven-hour firefight.
Gen. Catapang said that instead of extricating the remaining Filipino soldiers, Gen. Singha ordered them to surrender, an order that the soldiers defied for fear of being "massacred" by their captors. Implementing an escape plan authorized from the Philippine military headquarters in Manila, Gen. Catapang said the Filipino soldiers were able to flee to safety under the cover of darkness. "Fortunately, the area wasn't foggy. It was a difficult escape route; it was mined," the general said, describing the troops' escape.
The U.N.'s Disengagement Observer Force didn't respond to requests for comment. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said at a briefing Tuesday that the body will respond to any formal request made by any member state but declined to say more as the hostage situation involving the Fijian peacekeeping troops continued.
Gen. Catapang said President Benigno Aquino III is awaiting a full report from the Philippine armed forces regarding the events to determine the country's proper course of action. He said that the Philippines still intends to participate in U.N. peacekeeping missions and added that the contingent in the Golan Heights will complete their tour of duty, which ends in October.
Congressman Rodolfo Biazon, a former armed forces chief of staff, said that Congress will investigate the incident to obtain more clarity on the U.N.'s peacekeeping policy, particularly in situations where troops are confronted by rebel forces. "Is it U.N. policy to order peacekeepers to surrender?" Mr. Biazon asked.
—Joe Lauria contributed to this article.
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Should Fiji troops be in Syria as UN peacekeepers?
By NICK PERRY and PITA LIGAIULA23 hours ago
SUVA, Fiji (AP) — For years, Fiji's tiny military force has carried out two high-profile tasks: Leading coups, and peacekeeping. It's a mix that has drawn questions — now more than ever, with 45 Fijian troops captured by Syrian insurgents.
The force of just 3,500 is devoted largely to peacekeeping around the world, but lacks the sophisticated hardware other militaries rely on to keep their troops safe. The troops have not trained with their Australian, New Zealand and American counterparts since 2006, when the military took control of this relaxed South Pacific nation of 900,000.
Fiji wasn't even sure at first how many of its troops were captured last week in the Golan Heights, where they were part of a U.N. force that has monitored the buffer zone between Syria and Israel for four decades. The U.N. announced that 43 were taken. Fiji later said it was 44. By Monday, Fiji had raised the number to 45.
Jone Baledrokadroka, Fiji's former land forces commander who is now a visiting fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra, said the Golan Heights deployment appeared rushed.
"They decided to go in June last year, and by August they were in," he said. "It was quite hasty. I knew they didn't have the logistics and training for such a deployment, or for the escalating violence in Syria."
The U.N. says its peacekeepers are well vetted.
"The training, preparation and background of the troops are looked at very carefully," said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. resident coordinator in Fiji. She added that "the intention of sending troops is that they are not meant to be in danger at all."
Fijians this week have been holding candlelight vigils for their troops, who have been held by the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in an unknown location since Aug. 28. The U.N. says it's negotiating with the insurgents, who have made several demands for releasing the Fijians, including being taken off the U.N. terrorist list.
Fiji has long taken on an outsized role in the world's peacekeeping duties, even as it has been roiled by several domestic coups. The military promises it will finally hold democratic elections this month.
The U.N. has been willing to overlook Fiji's domestic problems when it comes to accepting its peacekeepers for dangerous and unpopular assignments. For Fiji, the work means international prestige, goodwill and money.
In 2009, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully called the U.N. "utterly hypocritical."
"It's very hard to see how they can justify using military people who have overthrown the rule of law in their own country as the agents to enforce the rule of law as peacekeepers somewhere else," McCully told The New Zealand Herald newspaper
McCully said Wednesday his position has changed now that Fiji has promised elections, and New Zealand welcomes Fiji's peacekeeping role.
James Brown, a military fellow at Australia's Lowy Institute for International Policy and a former Australian commander, said that prior to 2006, the Fijians were good soldiers.
"Their basic military skills were pretty impressive. They did lots of training in Fiji and lots of training with us," he said. "Obviously, they lack a lot of sophisticated equipment that other militaries have. They don't have the intelligence and surveillance systems."
Brown said he can't be sure how well trained the Fijians have been since the coup. He said he's aware they've been doing some training at a national defense university in China, which has become a close ally to Fiji in recent years.
Fiji acknowledges that some of its captured soldiers had no previous peacekeeping experience before being placed in one of the world's most dangerous and volatile regions.
"There's a mixture of old soldiers and new soldiers," said Brig. Gen. Mosese Tikoitoga, the head of Fiji's military. "In every peacekeeping mission we go to, we take new soldiers as well."
He said his soldiers have never before faced the level of radicalism they've found in Syria.
"These Fijian soldiers have watched armed elements behead people beside their gate," he said. "That would have weakened anybody in their right mind."
Tikoitoga said the Fijians were overmatched with the firepower of the insurgents and he agreed with the decision by the U.N. peacekeeping commander to surrender and turn over their weapons.
"The question running through the commander's mind was, 'Do I become a tiger and fight? Or do I become a cat and fight another day?'" Tikoitoga said.
The Philippine military says it defied a similar U.N. request to surrender when its troops were surrounded by the insurgents; they pulled off a daring escape instead. The Philippine military says a U.N. commander should be investigated as a result.
Baledrokadroka, the former Fijian commander, said it was "quite disturbing" to see the Fijians surrender while the Filipinos escaped.
"It's the duty of every soldier to not be disarmed, to resist being captured," he said. "It's a shock to every former soldier like me to know this has happened. It's quite a big blow to our martial traditions. Fijians have been known as warriors down through the ages."
But Philippine Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the Fijians may have had little choice because they were cornered after they retreated to a bunker.
U.N. peacekeeping spokespeople could not be immediately reached for comment this week.
Fiji's commander says the nation won't abandon its mission in Syria, and he is even willing to replace the 45 troops if they need to recuperate if and when they are released.
Baledrokadroka said he finds that attitude staggering.
"This is incredible," he said. "When you look at other democratic countries, they're looking at pulling out, but this regime in Fiji is just doing things unilaterally."
Austria and Croatia pulled their Golan Heights peacekeepers last year over fears they would be targeted. The Philippines has said it's leaving in October, and Ireland has threatened to withdraw. Among the 1,250 troops remaining are those from India, Nepal and the Netherlands.
The U.N. pays nations $1,028 each month per soldier — not enough to pay the wages of troops in developed nations but above the going rate in poorer ones like Fiji.
Baledrokadroka said his understanding is that while the Fiji military used to pocket the difference, the Fijian troops are now getting the full reimbursement rate, which, in turn, is attracting plenty of new recruits.
Should Fiji troops be in Syria as UN peacekeepers? - Yahoo News
By NICK PERRY and PITA LIGAIULA23 hours ago
SUVA, Fiji (AP) — For years, Fiji's tiny military force has carried out two high-profile tasks: Leading coups, and peacekeeping. It's a mix that has drawn questions — now more than ever, with 45 Fijian troops captured by Syrian insurgents.
The force of just 3,500 is devoted largely to peacekeeping around the world, but lacks the sophisticated hardware other militaries rely on to keep their troops safe. The troops have not trained with their Australian, New Zealand and American counterparts since 2006, when the military took control of this relaxed South Pacific nation of 900,000.
Fiji wasn't even sure at first how many of its troops were captured last week in the Golan Heights, where they were part of a U.N. force that has monitored the buffer zone between Syria and Israel for four decades. The U.N. announced that 43 were taken. Fiji later said it was 44. By Monday, Fiji had raised the number to 45.
Jone Baledrokadroka, Fiji's former land forces commander who is now a visiting fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra, said the Golan Heights deployment appeared rushed.
"They decided to go in June last year, and by August they were in," he said. "It was quite hasty. I knew they didn't have the logistics and training for such a deployment, or for the escalating violence in Syria."
The U.N. says its peacekeepers are well vetted.
"The training, preparation and background of the troops are looked at very carefully," said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. resident coordinator in Fiji. She added that "the intention of sending troops is that they are not meant to be in danger at all."
Fijians this week have been holding candlelight vigils for their troops, who have been held by the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in an unknown location since Aug. 28. The U.N. says it's negotiating with the insurgents, who have made several demands for releasing the Fijians, including being taken off the U.N. terrorist list.
Fiji has long taken on an outsized role in the world's peacekeeping duties, even as it has been roiled by several domestic coups. The military promises it will finally hold democratic elections this month.
The U.N. has been willing to overlook Fiji's domestic problems when it comes to accepting its peacekeepers for dangerous and unpopular assignments. For Fiji, the work means international prestige, goodwill and money.
In 2009, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully called the U.N. "utterly hypocritical."
"It's very hard to see how they can justify using military people who have overthrown the rule of law in their own country as the agents to enforce the rule of law as peacekeepers somewhere else," McCully told The New Zealand Herald newspaper
McCully said Wednesday his position has changed now that Fiji has promised elections, and New Zealand welcomes Fiji's peacekeeping role.
James Brown, a military fellow at Australia's Lowy Institute for International Policy and a former Australian commander, said that prior to 2006, the Fijians were good soldiers.
"Their basic military skills were pretty impressive. They did lots of training in Fiji and lots of training with us," he said. "Obviously, they lack a lot of sophisticated equipment that other militaries have. They don't have the intelligence and surveillance systems."
Brown said he can't be sure how well trained the Fijians have been since the coup. He said he's aware they've been doing some training at a national defense university in China, which has become a close ally to Fiji in recent years.
Fiji acknowledges that some of its captured soldiers had no previous peacekeeping experience before being placed in one of the world's most dangerous and volatile regions.
"There's a mixture of old soldiers and new soldiers," said Brig. Gen. Mosese Tikoitoga, the head of Fiji's military. "In every peacekeeping mission we go to, we take new soldiers as well."
He said his soldiers have never before faced the level of radicalism they've found in Syria.
"These Fijian soldiers have watched armed elements behead people beside their gate," he said. "That would have weakened anybody in their right mind."
Tikoitoga said the Fijians were overmatched with the firepower of the insurgents and he agreed with the decision by the U.N. peacekeeping commander to surrender and turn over their weapons.
"The question running through the commander's mind was, 'Do I become a tiger and fight? Or do I become a cat and fight another day?'" Tikoitoga said.
The Philippine military says it defied a similar U.N. request to surrender when its troops were surrounded by the insurgents; they pulled off a daring escape instead. The Philippine military says a U.N. commander should be investigated as a result.
Baledrokadroka, the former Fijian commander, said it was "quite disturbing" to see the Fijians surrender while the Filipinos escaped.
"It's the duty of every soldier to not be disarmed, to resist being captured," he said. "It's a shock to every former soldier like me to know this has happened. It's quite a big blow to our martial traditions. Fijians have been known as warriors down through the ages."
But Philippine Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the Fijians may have had little choice because they were cornered after they retreated to a bunker.
U.N. peacekeeping spokespeople could not be immediately reached for comment this week.
Fiji's commander says the nation won't abandon its mission in Syria, and he is even willing to replace the 45 troops if they need to recuperate if and when they are released.
Baledrokadroka said he finds that attitude staggering.
"This is incredible," he said. "When you look at other democratic countries, they're looking at pulling out, but this regime in Fiji is just doing things unilaterally."
Austria and Croatia pulled their Golan Heights peacekeepers last year over fears they would be targeted. The Philippines has said it's leaving in October, and Ireland has threatened to withdraw. Among the 1,250 troops remaining are those from India, Nepal and the Netherlands.
The U.N. pays nations $1,028 each month per soldier — not enough to pay the wages of troops in developed nations but above the going rate in poorer ones like Fiji.
Baledrokadroka said his understanding is that while the Fiji military used to pocket the difference, the Fijian troops are now getting the full reimbursement rate, which, in turn, is attracting plenty of new recruits.
Should Fiji troops be in Syria as UN peacekeepers? - Yahoo News
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