UN says Russia not allowed to send troops to Golan

Moscow: The United Nations said Friday that Russia cannot send troops to the Golan Heights peacekeeping force after President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to bolster the force. Putin offered troops earlier Friday after Austria decided to withdraw its 377 soldiers from the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) between Syria and Israel because of growing spillover from the Syria conflict.

But UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said Russia was banned from taking part in the force because it is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "We appreciate the consideration that Russia has given to provide troops on the Golan. However, the disengagement agreement and its protocol between Syria and Israel does not allow for the participation of permanent members of the security council in UNDOF," Nesirky told reporters. AFP