final for web 24 july 2014

BLUE BERET

50th Anniversary Souvenir Edition

I have no doubt that, during your stay in Cyprus, you will all serve the United Nations with the discipline, restraint and compassion which the peoples of the world have come to expect from all those who work for the United Nations

Message from U Thant Secretary-General of the United Nations

The Blue Beret, Issue No. 1 Monday, 20 April 1964

”“

BLUE BERET

”

The Magazine of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus


Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon walks the Green Line in Old Town Nicosia during his visit to the island from 31 January to 2 February 2010.

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). On 4 March 1964, the Security Council, by its resolution 186 (1964), mandated UNFICYP to contribute to a return to normal conditions following violence and bloodshed between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus. Over the past fifty years, UNFICYP has played a crucial role in preventing a recurrence of fighting and contributing to the resolution of issues that affect the everyday lives of Cypriots across the island.

On this special occasion, I wish to express my gratitude to the 32 countries that have contributed either troops or police or both to the Mission and their peacekeepers, but also pay tribute to the 184 peacekeepers who lost their lives in support of peace in Cyprus.

I am confident that this fiftieth anniversary will provide much needed impetus to the ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the long-lasting Cyprus problem. I trust that in the period ahead, both sides, with support from the United Nations, will strive for such a comprehensive

settlement so that Cyprus may be united again.

Statement by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment

of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) ”

“

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Pt. Eddie Skanshus of the Danish Contingent on sentry duty at OP Loutros, Lefka, Cyprus, 1 May 1973.

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FOREWORDLisa M. Buttenheim, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Chief of Mission

THE BLUE BERETBeginnings: A look back with the first editor of UNFICYP’s iconic magazine ..................................... 11

A FORCE FOR PEACE1964 - 1973 ................................................................................................................................. 13

BUFFER ZONE: A NEW REALITY1974 - 1983 ................................................................................................................................. 27

MAINTAINING THE STATUS QUO1984 - 1993 ................................................................................................................................. 37

A CHANGING FORCE1994 - 2003 ................................................................................................................................. 43

CROSSINGS2004 - 2013 ................................................................................................................................. 49

UNFICYP AT FIFTY2014 ............................................................................................................................................... 57

IN MEMORIAM

UNFICYP TROOP AND POLICE CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTMENTS TO CYPRUS & FORCE COMMANDERS

CONTENTS

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SRSG Lisa Buttenheim on a familiarization tour in Sector 4 shortly after her arrival at UNFICYP, September 2010. To her left is Mr. Wlodek Cibor, UNFICYP’s long-serving Senior Adviser.

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FOREWORD LISA M. BUTTENHEIM, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVEOF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL IN CYPRUS AND UNFICYP CHIEF OF MISSION

In this 50th anniversary year of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, I am honoured to pen the foreword to

this rich and informative account of our presence on the island over the last five decades. My tenure here, since August

2010, follows on the back of the dedicated efforts of twenty-one previous Special Representatives of the Secretary-General

and UNFICYP Chiefs of Mission in Cyprus, each of whom has made a contribution to the maintenance of peace and security

on this beautiful island.

In marking this anniversary, we wish to showcase the legacy of the men and women who served UNFICYP, whether as

soldiers, police officers or civilians. This publication is primarily intended as a tribute to the immense contribution of our

uniformed personnel – more than 100,000 men and women from the military and police forces of 32 countries. During these

years, 184 UNFICYP peacekeepers lost their lives serving in Cyprus. These few lines will never be enough to capture the

significance of the efforts of all our peacekeepers, and the commitment to peace of their national governments both in words

and in deeds. Not only are these men and women the backbone of our operations. They are the embodiment of the spirit

of international cooperation and collective will for peace, dating to March 1964, when the call went out from the Security

Council for urgent assistance in Cyprus.

Through this retrospective publication, we want to highlight some of the events that occurred in this fascinating period from the

early years of UN peacekeeping. In the pages that follow, we see young soldiers in black and white photographs, volunteering

for service, tending to the sick and displaced, and captivating the local children on the streets of Cyprus’ towns. Many of

these troops had come from peacekeeping operations elsewhere, and many would go on to other trouble spots. Across the

decades we see Secretaries-General and senior UN officials who came to visit, to observe conditions for themselves, and to

help advance negotiations between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. One of my predecessors,

Javier Perez de Cuellar, eventually became Secretary-General.

As we all know, after the events of 1974, a new reality set in for UNFICYP. Today, our peacekeepers still patrol the

buffer zone that was created in that era. Though our troop and police numbers have dropped due to changes in operational

requirements, our presence here is testament to the commitment and belief in peace in Cyprus that began our mission and,

we hope one day soon, will complete it. More than anything, we see this 50th anniversary as an opportunity. To echo the

words of the current Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, this milestone should provide the impetus needed to move forward on

the talks and to see them through to a mutually agreed comprehensive settlement for the benefit of all Cypriots.

Also marking its 50th anniversary this year is UNFICYP’s Blue Beret Magazine. In the following pages, we feature an account of its early days from the original editor, David Lees. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the current Blue Beret team, pictured at left, who follow in David Lees’ footsteps and continue to ensure that this iconic publication goes out on a bi-monthly basis. I would also like to thank the team for putting together this Special Edition of the Blue Beret. In March 2014, UNFICYP launched an online archive of the Blue Beret back-catalogue, comprising more than 1,000 editions that document the history and happenings of the Mission over the course of its fifty years. This ambitious scanning project was carried out by our Public Information Office, with the support of colleagues from the Office of the Chief of Mission Support, Office of the Chief of Staff, and military personnel from the Joint Operations Centre. It was a true team effort and this rich archive is now accessible on our website to all military, police and civilian colleagues, past and present, and to the general public. Thank you to all involved in these efforts.

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In March 1964, UNFICYP was a hive of activity. I was assigned to the Press Department and suggested that an UNFICYP

newsletter would be an excellent means of internal communication in a multi-national organization. The idea was approved

and I was duly appointed Editor. I was given an assistant, a Sergeant, who also acted as a driver. The one common symbol

we had was the United Nations blue beret worn by all members of the various contingents. I recommended that we use it

as the name for our publication. We were given a table and chairs, a typewriter, and a small room in Wolseley Barracks,

Nicosia. And that is how the Blue Beret began!

All editorial copy - the editorial itself, press releases, statements from UN headquarters - had to be ‘bashed’ out on a

typewriter. For the first edition, we asked U Thant, then Secretary-General, to send us a dedicated message to serve as the

very first item in the inaugural Blue Beret. I strongly believed that all UNFICYP members would be interested in what other

peacekeepers in the Force were doing, so press representatives in each contingent were asked to send articles for inclusion.

Every week we visited each contingent and attended their press conferences. We also liaised with reporters from all over the

world, mostly in the Ledra Palace Hotel. English was the main language of the Blue Beret but we also featured articles in

French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Gaelic. On one occasion there were 9 different languages in an edition. Proof

reading was quite a task – we had to compare each character with the original!

In fact, our production set-up was rather cumbersome compared with today’s technology. After I had compiled the copy and

made a rough layout I took the ‘opus’ to Zavallis Press, in the Old Town of Nicosia. The compositors set the type, taking

one character at a time from a tray and laying them in reverse order for printing. Our layout was restricted by the size of

the letters and any photo blocks burnt from the original photo. It was truly amazing how quickly the articles were put to bed

for the draft print run. The assiduous proofreading and corrections were made before the final print run could begin. The

whole process from copy to print could take a few days. The Blue Beret was published every week, initially on Mondays and

later on Tuesdays. This long process did have an advantage that I thoroughly enjoyed. On publication days, I was invited to

lunch at the family home of our printer, Achilleas Zavallis. As the weeks went by, I tasted the delights of every Cypriot dish

known, all superbly prepared by Mrs. Zavallis!

Whenever I visited the contingents throughout the island I was always very pleased to see the Blue Beret displayed prominently.

I was assured that it was highly valued, particularly because it provided an opportunity to share experiences and news with

other members of UNFICYP. We ran a series of articles featuring the contributing countries and this helped ‘weld’ all members

together into a coherent UN Organization. It is an honour to serve in the cause of peace and I am absolutely thrilled that

the Blue Beret has flourished for 50 years. It has undergone many changes and is a vibrant and superb publication. I wish

all members of the Blue Beret staff and all readers the very best for the future.

THE BLUE BERET A LOOK BACK WITH THE FIRST EDITOR OF UNFICYP’S ICONIC MAGAZINE

Fifty years of UNFICYP also means fifty years of the Blue Beret magazine. The first issue was published on 20 April

1964 and the Blue Beret back-catalogue provides a rich archive of the story of the Mission from its early years all

the way through to the present day. Today’s Blue Beret team had the very good fortune to correspond with David

Lees, who as a young British Captain began the publication. He has put into writing his memories of the birth of

the Blue Beret.

Facing page: Photographs from the early days of the Blue Beret. Clockwise from top left: Capt Lees in Cyprus in 1964; The compositor that was used to set the type for the Blue Beret; David Lees at his desk in the Blue Beret offices; A 1964 press conference; David Lees at Zavallis Press, working on the layout for the Blue Beret edition number 6 of 25 May 1964; A film crew captures some of the damage done to local Cypriot buildings following fighting in 1964.

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About this Publication

In a departure from the usual Blue Beret format, this souvenir edition aims to illustrate the efforts

of UNFICYP to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security on the island of Cyprus over a 50

year history. The publication is arranged chronologically across five core chapters that each cover a

ten-year span. A timeline of key events provides a framework for a selection of images that can only

begin to showcase the tremendous commitment, the hours of hard work, and the peacekeeping spirit

which has flourished here in Cyprus against a backdrop of ongoing political efforts to achieve a Cyprus

solution. Excerpts from the Blue Beret itself have been included to underline milestone events and

provide a snapshot of the time period from which they are drawn. Every effort has been made to ensure

the accuracy of the contents and historical details contained herein, and to display photographs that

reflect the diverse and invaluable contributions of the men and women, military, police and civilian,

from all 32 member states, subject to the availability of archival materials and their quality.

1964 - 1973 13

PEACE 1964-1973

A FORCE FOR

14 A FORCE FOR PEACE

21 December 1963An outbreak of violence between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities provokes a round of talks in the United Nations Security Council in New York.

4 March 1964Resolution 186 creates the United Nations Force in Cyprus for a period of three months. It has a mandate to use its best efforts to prevent a recurrence of fighting, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions.

Gen Carlos Flores Paiva Chaves (Brazil), Commander of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) and Commander-Designate of UNFICYP in advance of its first Force Commander, greets Canadian troops, March 1964. Previous page: A peacekeeper escorts an elderly woman in Ayios Theodoros, Larnaca District, April 1964.

Above left: On 25 February 1964, the Security Council hears statements in the Continuing Debate on the Situation in Cyprus. Studying a document are Ralph Bunche (left), UN Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs, and Ambassador Adlai E. Stevenson, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN. Above right: Secretary-General U Thant delivers a statement on UN Television concerning the situation in Cyprus, 27 March 1964.

"The officers and men of the Force have a very special task

to perform. They are soldiers of humanity, pledged, without

national or other interests, solely to the prevention of bloodshed

and violence and to the restoration of normality in Cyprus. They

have no territories to win, no enemies to conquer. They serve

the noblest purpose that an armed force could serve.”

- Secretary-General U Thant, April 1964

PEACE 1964-1973

A FORCE FOR

1964 - 1973 15

13 March 1964The first UNFICYP peacekeepers are deployed. Over the next few months, military from the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Austria join the Mission.

27 March 1964The Force becomes operational and Lt General Prem Singh Gyani of India assumes his post as the first Force Commander.

A company of 44 Swedish soldiers arriving on a Mats Hercules plane, 15 April 1964. They will be stationed in Polis.


22 April 1964The first UNFICYP civilian police take up their duties. Through May and June, civilian police from Austria, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark deploy in Cyprus. By 25 May, the combined Force in Cyprus reaches 7,000 personnel. It has taken 79 days for all contingents to deploy.

Two Canadian soldiers serving with UNFICYP patrol the shopping area of Nicosia, 8 April 1964.

Civilians are directed by UNFICYP troops to seek safety off the streets, near the Ledra Palace Hotel, 18 April 1964.

1964 - 1973 17

11 May 1964Galo Plaza Lasso, former President of Ecuador, is appointed as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus.

British Pt Hindley & Capt Leedham evacuate an elderly Greek Cypriot from Ayios Theodoros, 27 April 1964.

Children play near armoured vehicles from the British Contingent, stationed outside a school in the Turkish Cypriot sector of Ayios Theodoros where women and children are housed for protection, 27 April 1964.

20 June 1964The Security Council decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further three months, the first of many renewals.

Two Swedish UNFICYP soldiers talk with locals in Ktima, 1 April 1964.

Irish soldiers escort Turkish Cypriots from an area in Famagusta, 24 April 1964.

A member of the British Contingent on guard duty at a post in Limassol, 1 October 1964.

1964 - 1973 19


Ralph Bunche, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, listens to the concerns of the townspeople on a visit to the town of Ktima. He is accompanied by officers serving with UNFICYP, 9 April 1964.

Finnish soldiers, bicycling to Nicosia from Dhekelia, pass a sentry post, 1 May 1964.A New Zealand Police Officer at work, 1965.

1964 - 1973 21

Chief Superintendent F. G. Hollande, Commander of the Australian Police Contingent with Officer Glen Hallahan on the verandah of their Xeros Headquarters, January 1965.

16 September 1964Galo Plaza is appointed UN Mediator on Cyprus, replacing Sakari Tuomioja of Finland following his untimely death on 9 September. Carlos Bernardes of Brazil steps in as the new Special Representative.

1965As UNFICYP takes shape operationally, there are now seven military contingents stationed across the island in Nicosia and the foothills of the Kyrenia range, Paphos, Lefka, Polis, Ktima, the Troodos Mountains, Ayia Irini on the north-west tip of the island, Salamis and Famagusta.

A Cypriot patient is carried by UNFICYP ambulance to hospital in Nicosia, 1 April 1965. The Austrian Contingent has command of the UNFICYP field hospital and ambulance services, and often carries Cypriots as part of its duties.


New Commander of UNFICYP assumes post: Major General Martola of Finland (centre) calls on Archbishop Makarios, shortly after taking up his post. At left is Carlos Bernardes, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, 1 May 1966.

23 June 1965The Secretary-General’s Mediator Galo Plaza submits his report.

22 December 1967The Security Council adopts Resolution 244 which tasks UNFICYP with supervision of disarmament and arrangements to safeguard internal security.

24 June 1968Intercommunal talks begin.

Together with Special Representative Bernardes, Major General Martola makes a call on Dr. F. Kucuk (centre), 1 May 1966.

1964 - 1973 23

A Cypriot youth enjoys the rock-and-roll music of soldiers from UNFICYP’s Canadian Contingent billeted at Kyrenia, 1 June 1967.

10 December 1968UNFICYP’s mandate is extended once again, for a further 6 months, with Secretary-General U Thant hailing the progress made in the intercommunal talks, and welcoming the reduction of the Force by one quarter as a sign of the ‘improved situation’.

14 February 1970UNFICYP undergoes a major redeployment of its troop contingents. The Finnish Contingent is redeployed to Kyrenia, Canada takes over the Nicosia area, Denmark heads to Lefka and Ireland to Larnaca and Kophinou.

Nicosia International Airport is opened in an official ceremony on 27 March 1968.


1971Talks are deadlocked.

“The conscientious and sustained efforts of the members of the Force, both civilian and military, and

the admirable devotion to duty displayed by each one of you has ensured that no major incidents

occurred in spite of tension and sensitivity from time to time.” – Major General D. Prem Chand, UNFICYP Force Commander, end of 1972

7 June 1972Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim visits Cyprus to “discuss the situation with all concerned.” Intercommunal talks are re-launched during his visit.

Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim visits UNFICYP Headquarters at Blue Beret Camp. Guard Commander Major Arthur Klocker of Austria salutes the Secretary-General who is accompanied by Force Commander Lt General D. Prem Chand of India. Representatives from the seven contingents are in the Guard of Honour, 6 June 1972.

Soldiers and KP cars (A.P.C.) of the Swedish Contingent, Alert Squadron in the vicinity of Agios Yeoyios Village during their field exercises, 1 May 1973.

1964 - 1973 25

4 October 1972There are now 55 UNFICYP manned military Observation Posts spread across the island.

“We are an Organization for peace… and we do our utmost to be helpful to gain a political solution;

that is why we are here.”

- UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim,

speaking to the press during his first visit to Cyprus in June 1972

Pvts. Ingvor Happaniemi (lower left) and Hans-Roger Persson (centre) of the Swedish Contingent on sentry duty at Othello Tower OP located in the Old City of Famagusta, 1 May 1973.

Joint Operations Centre at UNFICYP HQ. Duty Officers are from the Austrian Civilian Police, Finnish Contingent, British Contingent, and Danish Civilian Police, 1 April 1973.


Swedish soldiers, waterside Famugusta, c. 1971. Members of the Danish Civilian Police patrol a street in Ayios Theodoros, Larnaca District, 1 May 1973.

Patrolling the Green Line in Ayios Theodoros, members of the Danish Civilian Police, 1 May 1973.

Signalman Fred Tedby (foreground), of the British Royal Signal Corps, at the Telephone Exchange of the 644 Signal Troop, UNFICYP Headquarters, 1 April 1973.

25 October 1973The Security Council authorizes an emergency peacekeeping force, known as UNEF II, to monitor the ceasefire between Egyptian and Israeli forces in the Suez Canal sector and the Sinai Peninsula. Members of UNFICYP’s Austrian, Irish, Finnish and Swedish contingents are transferred temporarily to form the advance of the emergency force.

Members of the Austrian Civilian Police check vehicles alongside a Cypriot Policeman, at the check point of a UN Nicosia-Kyrenia convoy in Nicosia, April 1973.

1974 - 1983 27A Force for Peace 1964 - 1973

BUFFER ZONE A NEWREALITY 1974-1983

28 BUFFER ZONE: A NEW REALITY

15 July 1974 The National Guard, under the direction of Greek officers, stages a coup d’état and deposes Archbishop Makarios.

20 July 1974Turkey launches an extensive military operation in Cyprus.

Explosion near Nicosia International Airport, July 1974. Previous page: UNFICYP Chief of Staff Brigadier Francis Henn briefs Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim and Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Brian Urquhart on the roof of the Airport, 25 August 1974.

BUFFER ZONEA NEW

REALITY1974-1983

23 July 1974Fighting is especially fierce in the vicinity of Nicosia International Airport; UNFICYP declares the area a United Nations Protected Area (UNPA).

Evacuees arriving at the Hotel and Catering Institute in Nicosia are embraced by relatives and friends. Members of the Cyprus Red Cross and Civilian Police assist, 21 November 1974.

“The Security Council... Having considered at its present meeting

further developments on the island... Deeply deploring the outbreak

of violence and the continuing bloodshed... Calls upon all parties

to the present fighting as a first step to cease all firing and

requests all States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain

from any action which might further aggravate the situation.” UN Security Council Resolution 353, 20 July 1974

1974 - 1983 29

Members of the Canadian Contingent in a “LYNX” armored vehicle patrolling the Green Line in Nicosia, 1974.

14 August 1974Turkey launches a second military intervention. Three Austrian peacekeepers are killed while negotiating a ceasefire near Goshi.

13 August 1974Several weeks of talks in Geneva end with no result.

16 August 1974Turkish Forces declare a ceasefire; UNFICYP marks the ceasefire lines and takes on the responsibility of patrolling the buffer zone between them.

Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim addresses the Security Council during an urgent meeting on Cyprus. To his right is Javier Perez de Cuellar of Peru who would go on to become the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, and later, Secretary-General, 15 August 1974.


Food supplies are unloaded at the tent village “Happy Valley”, set up by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the British Forces at Episkopi to provide shelter for Cypriots, 18 August 1974.

Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim makes a statement upon his arrival in Nicosia. At his right is Force Commander Lt General D. Prem Chand, and at his left is Luis Weckmann-Muñoz, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, 25 August 1974.

25 August 1974During his visit, the Secretary-General arranges for weekly humanitarian meetings to take place between Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

“The stresses and strains of the recent conflict are, fortunately, on the decrease and it is good to

know that a degree of normality is steadily returning… Tragically, we have suffered some casualties,

but nothing has deterred any UN soldier from doing his duty to the utmost… We are now entering

a new chapter in which we shall have to cope with a different situation in Cyprus. I am confident

that you will achieve full success in the new tasks ahead of us.” - A message from the Force Commander, Lt Gen D. Prem Chand

25 September 1974

1974 - 1983 31

116 Greek Cypriot and 127 Turkish Cypriot sick and wounded prisoners of war and detainees are exchanged as a result of an agreement reached between the parties, 16 September 1974.

September - December 1974UNFICYP continues to support the transport of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots fleeing the conflict, and the distribution of humanitarian aid. The Blue Beret reports that between 18 August and 16 October 1974, UNFICYP delivered 470 tons of food and relief supplies to Greek Cypriots living in the northern parts of the island and 1,360 tons to the Turkish Cypriot communities in the southern parts of the island. In total, an equivalent of 364 truckloads of aid.

The Swedish Contingent visits two Greek Orthodox monks at the Varnabas Monastery, 1 November 1974.

UNFICYP and the International Committee of the Red Cross assist with evacuations of Greek and Turkish Cypriots to safe areas, 21 November 1974.

A Swedish Police Officer at a site in Famagusta district, 2 September 1974.

The tent village “Happy Valley”, British Sovereign Base area in Episkopi, 18 August 1974.

1974 - 1983 33


12 February 1977The ‘High Level Agreement’ is made by Archbishop Makarios and Rauf Denktash under the auspices of Secretary-General Waldheim during his second visit to Cyprus, setting parameters for a bi-communal federation.

On patrol near Othello Tower, circa 1975.

1975Intercommunal talks in Vienna lead to the Vienna III agreement, and partial implementation.

The Blue Beret announces the arrival of new Special Representative Javier Perez de Cuellar of Peru, who would later go on to become Secretary-General from 1982 to 1991.

1974 - 1983 35

The Security Council votes on a resolution to extend the United Nations Peacekeeping Force for another six months, 13 June 1980.

19 May 1979The ‘10 Point Agreement’ is made by Spyros Kyprianou and Rauf Denktash under the auspices of Secretary-General Waldheim.

Male and female members of the Swedish Infantry Battalion attached to UNFICYP on parade at Battalion Headquarters, Larnaca. The 12 female members of the Battalion are the first women to join the Force in Cyprus, Autumn 1979.

April 1981The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus is established.

22 October 1981The ‘Gobbi Initiative’ is introduced by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hugo Gobbi of Argentina.


April 1982Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar meets with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Spyros Kyprianou and Rauf Denktash, in Geneva.

August 1983Another ‘Initiative’ is tabled by the UN.

As the 1980s get underway, and UNFICYP’s mandate continues to be renewed, British artist Ken Howard visits the island and captures many of the new operational realities of the Mission, above and below.

1984 - 1993 37

STATUS QUO 1984-1993

MAINTAINING THE

38 MAINTAINING THE STATUS QUO

1984The ‘Vienna Working Points’ lead to ‘Proximity Talks’ and a ‘Draft Agreement’.

29 March 1986Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar presents a new ‘Draft Framework Agreement’.

STATUS QUO 1984-1993

MAINTAINING THE

A Swedish soldier on the line. Front cover of the Blue Beret magazine, June 1987.

British troops discuss their patrol route near Nicosia, 1986. Previous page: UNFICYP’s Force Military Police at the entrance to the Headquarters building in Nicosia, 1985.

“Peacekeeping, the great experiment in which you are all taking part is, in

my view, a very important and very promising instrument of peace for the

future... All of you here in UNFICYP are an essential part of this great task.

You are, in the words of your Commander, fair, firm and friendly. What a

magnificent example that is in a troubled world... I think there can be no

better or more noble task for soldiers.”

- Brian Urquhart, USG for Special Political Affairs, BRITCON medal parade, Nicosia, 1985

1984 - 1993 39

September 1988Direct talks begin between Greek Cypriot leader Georgios Vassiliou and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash at the residence in the UN Protected Area of Special Representative Oscar Camilión of Argentina.

Mine-blowing in DANCON, 1987.

Community outreach in the bi-communal village of Pyla with the Irish Civilian Police, 1989.

Canadian troops outside Ledra Palace Hotel, 1986.

Liaising with farmers in the buffer zone is becoming an important part of UNFICYP’s work, 1986.

Gurkhas from the British Contingent work on the upgrade of a UN observation post, 1986.


The UN Peacekeeping Forces are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. UNFICYP Force Commander Maj Gen Gunther Greindl, second from left, attends the ceremony in Oslo with colleagues from the Australian and Danish Police, and a Canadian peacekeeper.

1 May 1989UNFICYP reaches an agreement on both sides to unman positions and cease patrols in certain sensitive locations in Nicosia.

June 1989Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar introduces his ‘Summary of Ideas’ as the basis of a comprehensive settlement.

A British peacekeeper chats with a Cypriot farmer in the buffer zone as he checks his identity card, 19 November 1990.

1984 - 1993 41

February 1990Negotiations resume but are halted again later that year.

1992Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali says Cyprus is a priority. He launches talks in New York mid-year, presenting his ‘Set of Ideas’ for a draft settlement.

A Canadian soldier checks connections at Signal Squadron Headquarters in Nicosia, 16 November 1990.

A member of the UNFICYP Danish Contingent in a Ferret Scout approaches an observation post near Skouriotissa, 17 November 1990.

Australian Civilian Police man the Duty Room, September 1992.A Danish pilot flies an UNFICYP Gazelle helicopter, 17 November 1990.

An Austrian soldier keeps watch in Athna, 15 November 1990.


March 1993Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali meets Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Confidence-building measures are proposed, with negotiations for implementation to begin in May. Talks resume but are cancelled in June.

December 1993The face of UNFICYP is changing. Major troop contributing countries Canada, Denmark and Sweden withdraw troops. Countries like Argentina, Slovakia and Hungary will step in to fill the gap. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali (centre) meets with Glafcos Clerides (left), Greek

Cypriot leader, and Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriots, 30 March 1993.

1994 - 2003 43

FORCE 1994-2003

A CHANGING

44 A CHANGING FORCE

February 1994The UN begins proximity talks to negotiate the implementation of confidence-building measures following confirmation of acceptance by both sides.

FORCE 1994-2003

A CHANGING

A Hungarian peacekeeper receives his blue beret during a ceremony to welcome the Hungarian Contingent in 1995. Hungary would make a significant contribution to the force in Sector 4. Previous page: Peacekeepers from Argentina at Sector 1 HQ in San Martin Camp, Skouriotissa, 1996.

“It is the fate of the soldier of peace to serve under

awkward conditions, observing ceasefire situations, patrolling

the buffer zone or monitoring the maintenance of peace...

You should feel privileged and proud of the contribution you

are making. I would like to take this opportunity to assure

you that your offering is recognized and appreciated.”

- UNFICYP Chief of Mission Gustave Feissel, end of year message to the Force, 1994

UNFICYP Chief of Mission Gustave Feissel, centre, participates in inter-communal talks with the leaders of the two Cypriot communities, Glafcos Clerides (right) and Rauf Denktash (left), October 1994.

1994 - 2003 45

October 1995Successful bi-communal events take place at Ledra Palace. An Open House on the UN’s 50th anniversary draws over 5,000 visitors and a bi-communal friendship concert entertains over 1,000 people.

May 1997Another bi-communal concert draws 3,000 music lovers.

Visitors gather around an UNFICYP vehicle on display for United Nations Day, 24 October 1995.

The new diversity in UNFICYP’s force. Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay host a stand at the UN Day events in 1995.

46 A CHANGING FORCE

July 1997Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash meet for five days of UN-sponsored talks in Troutbeck, New York, followed by a further round of talks in Switzerland in August.

UNFICYP peacekeepers deliver humanitarian assistance, 1997.

Between 1997 and 2001, the Netherlands contributes almost 100 troops per year to UNFICYP’s military force.

1994 - 2003 47

4 December 2001Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto hosts Clerides and Denktash at the Chief of Mission’s residence in the UN Protected Area. The two leaders agree to resume face-to-face talks on the Cyprus problem.

Police officers play an important role in providing humanitarian assistance. Here, Irish Police Officers are on duty, March 1994.

Argentinean peacekeepers on patrol in Sector 1, 1999.

48 A CHANGING FORCE

November 2002UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presents a comprehensive peace plan for Cyprus.

23 April 2003After nearly thirty years, the first crossing points are opened. Some 2 million people cross without incident before the end of the year.

UNFICYP facilitates the first crossing, April 2003.

In 2002, Slovakia joins UNFICYP and takes up a key role, assuming command of Sector 4 from the Austrian Contingent.

Between 1997 and 2001, Slovenia is an important troop contributor.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan shakes hands with a UN Civilian Police Officer from Ireland at UNFICYP Headquarters, 16 May 2002.

A British soldier looks down toward the crossing, 2003.

2004 - 2013 49

2004-2013

CROSSINGS

50 CROSSINGS

24 April 2004Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots vote in separate referenda on ‘The Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem’, a plan informally referred to as the ‘Annan Plan’, after then Secretary-General Kofi Annan. 64% of Turkish Cypriots vote in favour of the plan and 75% of Greek Cypriots vote against it, defeating the proposal.

2004-2013CROSSINGS

Copies of ‘The Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem’ ready for distribution, April 2004.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan visits Switzerland, where the talks involving the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, with the participation of Greece and Turkey, are underway. A wide shot of the closing of the Cyprus talks, 31 March 2004.

“This plan is inevitably a compromise. It does not satisfy everyone’s demands. But I believe it meets the core interests, and addresses the key concerns, of people on both sides. Let us be clear. The choice is not between this settlement plan and some other magical, mythical solution. In reality, the choice is between this settlement and no settlement.”

- Secretary-General Kofi Annan at Bürgenstock, Switzerland, 31 March 2004

2004 - 2013 51

1 January 2005 UNFICYP’s new ‘Force 860’ concept of operations goes into effect, reducing the number of military troops from 1,230 to 860. UN Police serving with UNFICYP increase from 45 to 69.

8 July 2006Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, brokers an agreement between the leaders of the two communities.

In 2004, the United Nations begins a significant project to clear mines from the buffer zone. By 2010, over 25,000 mines have been removed and destroyed.

Marking International Peace Day at Ledra Palace with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot guests from the Cyprus Veterans’ Association. World War II veteran Glafcos Clerides lights his candle with the help of an UNFICYP policewoman from India, 21 September 2006.

Michael Møller (centre), Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, meets with Tassos Papadopoulos (left), Greek Cypriot leader, and Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Cypriot leader, in Nicosia to discuss the 8 July Agreement, 5 September 2007.

UNFICYP peacekeepers help non-essential UN staff based in Lebanon to evacuate to Cyprus, 20 July 2006.

A Police Officer from El Salvador. In 2004-2005, police from India, the Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, and Montenegro would all join the Mission.

52 CROSSINGS

3 April 2008The crossing point at Ledra St opens.

23 May 2008In a joint statement, Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reconfirm “their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions”.

1 July 2008In a joint statement, the two leaders announce that they “discussed the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship which they agreed in principle”.

“As you know, I have come to Cyprus to show my personal support to the Cypriot-led and Cypriot–owned process to reunify the island. And I wanted to be here now because I recognize how important it is to continue to build momentum on what the leaders have achieved up to now.” - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at a press conference during his

visit to Cyprus, January 2010

Opening of the Ledra-Lokmaci Street crossing in central Nicosia, 3 April 2008.

An Australian policewoman talks with an elderly Cyrpriot woman during a humanitarian run to Greek Cypriot and Maronite communities in the north, conducted by the Civil Affairs Section together with the Police Component and with the support of the military, 2008.

2004 - 2013 53

17 July 2008Alexander Downer is appointed Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus.

14 October 2010The Limnitis-Yesilirmak Crossing opens.

8 September 2008 Full-fledged negotiations begin between the two leaders.

26 May 2010 A new round of inter-communal talks begins with the first meeting of Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu.

George Iacovou & Kudret Ozersay, Representatives of the Greek & Turkish Cypriot leaders, visit UNDP’s project for a Limnitis-Yesilirmak Crossing, 25 June 2010.

A British peacekeeper on duty in an abandoned part of the buffer zone, February 2010.

UNFICYP Chief of Mission Taye-Brook Zerihoun (2nd from left), Turkish Cypriot Representative Ozdil Nami (3rd from left), & Greek Cypriot Representative George Iavocou (4th from left), watch the two leaders plant ‘peace trees’ in the grounds of the Good Offices, October 2009.

Inside the Green Line in the Old Town of Nicosia, February 2010. This part of the buffer zone remains as it was left in 1974.

Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus Alexander Downer launches the Joint Communications Room (JCR), a bi-communal policing initiative. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Police can now work hand in hand, supported by UNFICYP’s Police, 29 July 2010.

54 CROSSINGS

6 May 2011The Home for Cooperation is opened in Nicosia to host bi-communal activities.

18 November 2010The two leaders meet in New York, together with the Secretary-General.

26 January 2011Ban Ki-moon hosts a meeting of the two leaders in Geneva.

7 July 2011The two leaders meet again with the Secretary-General in Geneva.

“For decades, the world has heard about the Cyprus problem. Now is the time for the Cyprus solution. The United Nations will continue to pro-vide all the support we can. But this is a process that is by the people of Cyprus, and for the people of Cyprus. I carry the world’s support for Cyprus in my heart. But the future of Cyprus is in your hands.” - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during his visit to Cyprus in 2010

A wide view of the meeting in Geneva, 7 July 2011. The two leaders, Dimitris Christofias and Dervish Eroglu, sit side by side. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe, Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, and Special Representative in Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim, are all in attendance.

Police and military - including this group of Slovak soldiers - work together on a project to clean up the buffer zone at Troulli, August 2011.

2004 - 2013 55

UN Flight celebrates 20,000 flying hours with the Mission, 30 September 2011. From 1993, Argentina provides UNFICYP’s flight capabilities, comprising 3 helicopters that are used to conduct buffer zone patrols from the air. Prior to 1993, the British Contingent was responsible for UN Flight.

1 November 2011A first meeting takes place between the two leaders and the Secretary-General at Greentree.

25 January 2012A follow-up Greentree meeting takes place.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias (left) and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu (right) at Greentree, Manhasset, New York, for two days of talks on Cyprus, 30 October 2011.

27 April 2012Special Adviser Alexander Downer announces that talks have “come to something of a standstill”.

56 CROSSINGS

October 2013Work begins on a joint declaration that would form the basis for the relaunch of formal talks.

Brigadier Francis Henn (centre), UNFICYP’s Chief of Staff between 1972 and 1974, is welcomed on a visit to the Blue Beret Camp by Force Commander Major General Chao Liu and current Chief of Staff Colonel Angus Loudon, October 2013.

UN Police medal parade, November 2013. UNFICYP’s Police Component comprises 11 different contingents from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, India, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine.

Integrating women in peacekeeping is a key goal for the UN. In 2013, women made up 7% of UNFICYP’s military, 22% of police, and a third of civilian staff.

UNFICYP’s Civil Affairs Section is an integrated civilian team working closely with the military and police components.

The Mission Support Component, headed by Paul Aghadjanian (in hardhat, front right), keeps UNFICYP ticking over.

2014 57

UNFICYP2014AT FIFTY

58 UNFICYP AT FIFTY

30 January 2014UNFICYP’s mandate is renewed for a further six months.

11 February 2014Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu announce their agreement on a Joint Declaration for the resumption of Cyprus Peace Talks.

UNFICYP2014AT FIFTY

Members of UNFICYP’s Police Component from Italy, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on patrol in Ledra Street, Nicosia. Previous page: SRSG Lisa Buttenheim looks on as Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu shake hands following the signing of the Joint Declaration.

“In the service of peace”: Countless United Nations peacekeeping medals have been distributed to UNFICYP troops over the decades. The ribbon attached to the medal was designed for UNFICYP in 1964 and represents the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

“While the area of responsibility of our peacekeepers - the buffer zone - appears relatively calm, there should be no misconception about the many challenges they face in their daily work. Violations by the opposing forces continue albeit at a low level both in nature and in number. Conscientious and rigorous attention to detail is one of the main reasons behind UNFICYP’s success in maintaining the status quo.”

- Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lisa Buttenheim at UNFICYP’s Winter Medal Parade, January 2014

59

IN MEMORIAMSgt. H Bassam United Kingdom 18 April 1964Pte. J Matikainen Finland 20 May 1964Dvr. L Platt United Kingdom 7 June 1964Maj. E Lacey United Kingdom 7 June 1964Tpr. J Campbell Canada 31 July 1964Sgt. Neilsen Denmark 13 August 1964Lt. P Gordon-Smith United Kingdom 28 October 1964Pte. C E Gjedsted Denmark 26 Nov 1964Lt. K E Edmonds Canada 25 Dec 1964Sgt. N Larson Denmark 11 January 1965Pte. F Smith United Kingdom 10 February 1965Sgt. W Macauley United Kingdom 22 February 1965Sgt. J Hammill Ireland 7 April 1965Sgt. R J Kivinimei Finland 3 May 1965Cpl. T Hollingsworth United Kingdom 7 June 1965Cpl. W Heterington Ireland 19 July 1965Rfn. P J Hoare Canada 14 August 1965Pte. P Soininen Finland 5 October 1965WO S Attemalm Sweden 5 October 1965Capt. P K Jarvinen Finland 12 Dec 1965Gen. K S Thimayya India 18 Dec 1965Gdsm. J J P Chartier Canada 14 March 1966Pte. K T Jorgensen Denmark 18 March 1966Pte. J Knudson Denmark 18 March 1966Mr. Z Maydenov Secretariat 18 March 1966Pte. J Antera Huha Finland 8 June 1966Pte. J E Jonsson Sweden 6 July 1966Pte. J P E Bernard Canada 9 July 1966Tpr. J J Synott United Kingdom 9 July 1966Pte. M J Tilus Finland 7 August 1966Tpr. L W Nass Canada 27 Sept 1966WO2 N Westberg Sweden 6 October 1966Sgt. O Foulkes United Kingdom 6 October 1966Lt.Col. C Chettle MC United Kingdom 16 February 1967Cpl. O Redmond Canada 10 March 1967Cfn. S Houghton United Kingdom 13 July 19672Lt. A C N Mitchell United Kingdom 13 August 1967Pte. K K Kangasmaki Finland 7 Sept 1967Cpl. A K Salmon Canada 24 Sept 1967Capt. C McNamara Ireland 16 January 1968Pte. O Soerensen Denmark 14 April 1968Sgt. L G Andersson Sweden 26 May 1968Pte. R L G Gissel Denmark 29 May 1968Cpl. J Fagan Ireland 10 June 1968Pte. B K Kannan United Kingdom 11 August 1968Lt. R Byrne Ireland 20 Sept 1968WO T Samuelsson Sweden 28 February 1969Pte. J T Chelmick United Kingdom 24 May 1969WO T R Jokinen Finland 3 June 1969Tpr. M Kennedy Ireland 1 July 1969Sgt. L J Thomas Australia 26 July 1969Pte. J A Lerue Canada 9 February 1970Pte. D Newstead United Kingdom 11 February 1970Pte. T J Hall Canada 31 July 1970Maj. F R Hansen Denmark 2 Sept 1970Cpl. P C Isenor Canada 26 October 1970SAC E E Mellish United Kingdom 24 Dec 1970Rfn. R P Hill United Kingdom 2 January 1971Rfn. K Chavenor United Kingdom 4 January 1971LCpl. K R Truswell United Kingdom 4 March 1971Pte. S Cummins Ireland 11 June 1971Cpl. J B Neilsen Denmark 12 July 1971Insp. P M Hackett Australia 29 August 1971Pte. H Faickley United Kingdom 18 Sept 1971Ranger F T McLernon United Kingdom 9 March 1972Cpl. H B Oboril Austria 3 August 1972Dvr. B J Lover United Kingdom 13 August 1972Pte. E Mearns United Kingdom 13 August 1972Sgt. L C Fjellstrom Sweden 20 August 1972MCpl. J R Lassard Canada 1 December 1972Capt. M T Toumi Finland 20 January 1973Miss A Valentine Secretariat 29 January 1973Sgt. C H Edenborg Sweden 29 January 1973Sgt. L Enberg Sweden 29 January 1973Pte. J B Masters United Kingdom 8 February 1973CSgt. J L Meacock United Kingdom 28 March 1973Pte. W R A Mallone United Kingdom 21 June 19732Lt. G A Paterson United Kingdom 13 October 19732Lt. K B Petersen Denmark 9 December 1973Insp. W Payer Austria 10 January 1974LCpl. J E Laird United Kingdom 2 February 1974Cpl. A Roach Canada 17 February 1974Supt. V J G Fogt Denmark 15 March 1974Pte. N O Pedersen Denmark 1 June 1974Sgt. C A Wamback Canada 30 June 1974Gdsm. G Lawson United Kingdom 21 July 1974Pte. J L G Perron Canada 8 August 1974LCpl. A Isak Austria 14 August 1974Lt. J Izay Austria 14 August 1974MSgt. F Decombe Austria 14 August 1974Pte. C S Andersen Denmark 16 August 1974Sgt. D S Christensen Denmark 16 August 1974

Pte. J J C Berger Canada 19 Sept 1974Sgt. J D Ward Australia 12 Nov 1974Pte. J J Huttenen Finland 25 Dec 1974Maj. D R Wingefalk Sweden 25 Dec 1974Pte. K O Mogensen Denmark 10 February 1975Pte. P Thygesen Denmark 21 February 1975Pte. H D Ollinen Sweden 17 March 1975Pte. D C Hurley United Kingdom 17 March 1975Capt. J E Patten Canada 1 April 1975Pte. S J Kholman Canada 11 April 1975Sgt. R G McGeown United Kingdom 4 May 1975Sgt. B V Sondergaard Denmark 12 Dec 1975Capt. K C Crawford Canada 20 Dec 1975Pte. K J Uuttu Finland 26 June 1976Pte. D R Kreiger Canada 17 August 1976WO T Moen Sweden 14 Dec 1976Pte. T E Kornberg Finland 16 January 1977Dvr. C J Ellerby United Kingdom 14 April 1977Pte. F Lorentzen Denmark 20 April 1977Sgt. A J R Dupont Canada 24 April 1977Pte. O Britz Austria 8 November 1977Cpl. D Hansen Denmark 18 February 1979SSgt. F A Christensen Denmark 18 February 1979Capt. S A R Martinsson Sweden 4 August 1979Cpl. of H. B R Meade United Kingdom 31 August 1979Pte. J Lackner Austria 5 November 1979MCpl. J D G McInnes Canada 30 March 1980Sig. P C Child United Kingdom 7 December 1980ALCpl. R D Perry United Kingdom 17 January 1981Sgt. C H Hardcastle United Kingdom 22 March 1981Cpl. J McAfee United Kingdom 22 May 1981Pte. L Brown United Kingdom 22 August 1981Cpl. R J Munton United Kingdom 4 Sept 1981Pte. F S A Thomas Denmark 26 Nov 1981Pte J E R Archambalt Canada 30 Nov 1981LCpl. J Oberberger Austria 16 January 1982Tpr. K W E Randall United Kingdom 23 January 1982Pte. A J Prins Canada 25 Sept 1982Pte. D M Wilson Canada 22 January 1983Pte. P M Thomassen Denmark 5 July 1983Pte. R Silek Austria 23 February 1984Pte. P P Salender Sweden 3 March 1984ALCpl. W Dickenson United Kingdom 27 May 1984Pte. A Glaser Austria 4 July 1984Cpl. M A Wagstaff United Kingdom 29 Sept 1984Lt. K Kleminten Austria 8 Nov 1984Pte. M Kern Sweden 1 Dec 1984LCpl. D P Key United Kingdom 25 Dec 1984Pte. W Ter Sweden 26 January 1985Cpl. W Hagel Sweden 7 Sept 1985Pte. S R Hylander Sweden 15 Sept 1985Pte. J Hingesberg Denmark 26 March 1986Pte. P J Trottier Canada 25 April 1986MCpl. M MacRae Canada 5 December 1986Dvr. S Garland United Kingdom 5 May 1987LCpl. N Tulloch United Kingdom 22 October 1987Maj. P M Christensen Denmark 14 April 1988Gdsm. L D Sinclair United Kingdom 20 April 1989Tpr. J J Costello United Kingdom 12 Dec 1989Sgt. F Maier Austria 27 January 1990Tpr. T G Burkat United Kingdom 20 May 1990LCpl. A H Rimmer United Kingdom 15 July 1990LBdr. M A Moorcroft United Kingdom 8 August 1990Cpl. G H Garrad-Cole United Kingdom 7 Sept 1990Cpl. K J Easter United Kingdom 7 Sept 1990LCpl. M D Owen United Kingdom 7 Sept 1990LCpl. S G Shrubsole United Kingdom 7 Sept 1990Sgt. G Poms Austria 20 February 1991Lt.Col. E Anderson United Kingdom 14 May 1991Tpr. S McGee United Kingdom 21 May 1991Sgt. M Schmuck Austria 4 December 1992Sgt. D L Kloss Canada 8 April 1993MCpl. W Leeb Austria 2 May 1993Cpl. J Schopfer Austria 23 July 1996Mr. B.Garrett United Kingdom 8 July 1997Mr. G.Sigas Cyprus 16 January 1998WO3 L A D’agata Argentina 1 March 1999Pte. L J H Harrison United Kingdom 15 March 2000Sgt. N D Davies United Kingdom 8 July 2000Pte. J M Escalante Argentina 12 Dec 2003Sgt. A O Chocobar Argentina 12 Dec 2003Mr. A Demetriou Cyprus 22 April 2004 Ms. S Kyriakides United Kingdom 22 May 2004Sgt. M Hruska Slovakia 8 June 2004Mrs. S Kariuki Kenya 22 January 2005Mr. P Loizou Cyprus 1 January 2006WO2 S Goldsmith United Kingdom 23 Nov 2007Pfc A Simkovic Slovakia 05 October 2008Mr. P Fennelly Ireland 14 March 2008Mr. A Alleyne Barbados 14 July 2008Sgt. A D Ojeda Argentina 27 Nov 2009 WO2 G Bean United Kingdom 3 May 2011

60

UNFICYP TROOP AND POLICE CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES1964 - 2014

Argentina BoliviaAustralia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Austria

Brazil Canada

China

Chile

Croatia Denmark El Salvador

HungaryFinland IrelandIndia

61

Italy Lithuania Montenegro

New Zealand

Nepal

The Netherlands Paraguay Peru

SerbiaRepublic of Korea

Sweden Ukraine United Kingdom Uruguay

Slovakia Slovenia

62

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTMENTS TO CYPRUS

UNFICYP FORCE COMMANDERSMajor General Chao Liu China, 2011 - present

Rear Admiral Mario Sanchez Debernardi Peru, 2008 - 2010

Major General Rafael Jose Barni Argentina, 2006 - 2008

Major General Hebert Figoli Uruguay, 2004 - 2006

Lieutenant General Jin Ha Hwang Republic of Korea, 2002 - 2003

Major General Victory Rana Nepal, 1999 - 2001

Major General E. A. de Vergara Argentina, 1997 - 1999

Brigadier General Ahti Toimi Vartiainen Finland, 1994 - 1997

Major General Michael F. Minehane Ireland, 1992 - 1994

Major General Clive Milner Canada, 1989 - 1992

Major General Gunther G. Greindl Austria, 1981 - 1989

Major General J. J. Quinn Ireland, 1976 - 1981

Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand India, 1969 - 1976

Lieutenant General I. A. E. Martola Finland, 1966 - 1969

Brigadier A. J. Wilson (Acting) United Kingdom, 1965 - 1966

General K. S. Thimayya India, 1964 - 1965

Lieutenant General P. S. Gyani India, 1964 - 1964

Lisa Buttenheim Special Representative and Chief of Mission, United States of America, 2010 - present

Alexander Downer Special Adviser (non-resident), Australia, 2008 - 2014

Taye-Brook Zerihoun Special Representative and Chief of Mission, Ethiopia, 2008 - 2010

Elizabeth Spehar Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, Canada, 2008

Michael Møller Special Representative and Chief of Mission, Denmark, 2006 - 2008

Zbigniew Wlosowicz Acting and later Special Representative and Chief of Mission, Poland, 2000 - 2006

Alvaro de Soto Special Adviser (non-resident), Peru, 2000 - 2004

James Holger Acting Special Representative, Chile, 1999 - 2000

Ann Hercus Deputy and later Special Representative and Chief of Mission, New Zealand, 1998 - 1999

Diego Cordovez Special Adviser (non-resident), Ecuador, 1997 - 1999

Han Sung-Joo Special Representative (non-resident), 1996 - 1997

Gustav Feissel Deputy Special Representative and Chief of Mission, United States of America, 1994 - 1998

Joe Clark Special Representative (non-resident), Canada, 1993 - 1996

Oscar Camilión Special Representative, Argentina, 1988 - 1993

James Holger Acting Special Representative, Chile, 1984 - 1988

Hugo J. Gobbi Special Representative, Argentina, 1980 - 1984

Reynaldo Galindo Pohl Special Representative, El Salvador, 1978 - 1980

Remy Gorge Acting Special Representative, Switzerland, 1977 - 1978

Javier Perez de Cuellar Special Representative, Peru, 1975 - 1977

Luis Weckmann-Muñoz Special Representative, Mexico, 1974 - 1975

Bibiano F. Osorio-Tafall Special Representative, Spain, 1967 - 1974

P. P. Spinelli Acting Special Representative, Italy, 1967

Carlos A. Bernardes Special Representative, Brazil, 1964 - 1967

Galo Plaza Lasso Special Representative and later Mediator, Ecuador, 1964 - 1966

Sakari Tuomioja Mediator, Finland, 1964

*From 1994, the Special Representative or Deputy Special Representative also filled the role of Chief of Mission, a title previously held by the Force Commander. The change reflected a unified arrangement for the United Nations operation in Cyprus, including UNFICYP.

This image: Keeping watch over the Old Town of Nicosia, 1974.Front cover: UNFICYP peacekeepers from the British, Canadian and Swedish contingents read the first edition of the Blue Beret magazine, issued 20 April 1964. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus came into being with Security Council Resolution 186 on 4 March 1964. Back cover: Peacekeepers of today’s UNFICYP, from the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Ireland and Argentina, read the Blue Beret Magazine 50th anniversary souvenir edition, Ledra Street, 2014.

The UNFICYP Public Information Office would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and institutions

for their contributions to this publication:

David Lees, for his kind contribution of photographs and text, pages 13 and 14

The Canadian War Museum: photographs pages 28 and 29

The Embassy of Sweden: photographs pages 26 and 34

United Nations Photo: For individual photo credits see www.unmultimedia.org/photo

The remaining images used in this publication are drawn from UNFICYP’s photographic archives and from digitized

versions of the Blue Beret magazine.

Published by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, May 2014.

For more information about UNFICYP, and access to the Blue Beret Archive:www.unficyp.orgwww.facebook.com/UNFICYPwww.twitter.com/UN_Cyprus


BLUE BERET

final for web 24 july 2014

Documents

cyprus unficyp

united nationsmessage

longlasting cyprus problem

mandated unficyp

anniversary souvenir

blue beretbeginnings

blue beretthe magazine

comprehensive settlement