Austrian peacekeepers begin withdrawal from Golan Heights

Austrian peacekeepers have begun withdrawing from the Golan Heights, which were occupied by Israel during the 1967 war, after the spillover of the conflict between the Syrian regime and rebels to the area. The Austrian Ministry of Defence confirmed today that they have begun to withdraw troops from the Golan Heights to end the ongoing mission there, which began four decades ago, due to the expansion of the war in Syria to the region. A Defence Ministry spokesman, Andreas Strobl, told Reuters in Vienna, "The first 60 to 80 soldiers will land in Vienna tomorrow afternoon, so you can already see the withdrawal on site". The Austrian troops have participated in the UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) organised patrols in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria since 1974. Austrian Foreign Minister, Michael Spindelegger, said that his country is prepared to negotiate with the United Nations until a new regulatory body is appointed to the replacement troops, but reserves the right to commit to the timetable for the withdrawal of Austrian troops in full, within four weeks. Russia has offered to replace Austria in the Golan Heights but the United Nations has refused the offer due to an agreement with Israel and Syria which excludes participation of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.