UN medals were awarded to 107 peacekeepers on Monday, recognising their dedication and service in Cyprus. The United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) highlighted this honour during a ceremony that celebrated the contributions of these individuals from various nations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The awarding of medals not only acknowledges the individual efforts of these peacekeepers but also underscores the ongoing commitment of the international community to fostering peace in Cyprus.
The peacekeepers include personnel from Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. Their commitment to maintaining peace in the region reflects a diverse international effort.
Since its establishment in 1964, Unficyp has been a cornerstone of peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus, initiated in response to intercommunal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This mission is one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping operations, with its mandate renewed most recently by the UN Security Council in January.
Unficyp’s role has evolved over the decades, particularly as it has patrolled the Green Line buffer zone since 1974. This area serves as a crucial demarcation between the two communities, ensuring stability and preventing escalations of conflict.
As of April, Unficyp has a total of 924 peacekeeping personnel deployed. The majority of military contributors hail from Argentina, the UK, and Slovakia, although over a dozen other countries also support the mission with military and police personnel.
The awarding of medals not only acknowledges the individual efforts of these peacekeepers but also underscores the ongoing commitment of the international community to fostering peace in Cyprus.
