I hope that this monument will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices and commitment made by peacekeepers for peace in this island, said Colin Stewart, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus, on Monday, at the inauguration of a monument dedicated to the contribution of UN peacekeepers and the member states that deployed them, to the cause of peace in Cyprus, outside Ledra Palace in Nicosia. According to the UN official, UNFICYP's efforts throughout the last 60 years on the island in maintaining a situation on the ground conducive for a political settlement is attributable first and foremost to the unwavering dedication and commitment of our peacekeepers. He added that the monument is a tribute to the 150,000 men and women peacekeepers, hailing from 43 troop and police contributing countries who have served over the last 60 years, while also honouring the 187 peacekeepers from 11 countries who lost their lives while serving on the island. He also expressed this satisfaction for the presence at the event of representatives of the 9 Troop and Police-contributing countries who were deployed in 1964, and most of the other 43 contributing countries, including the most recent one, Mongolia, who have contributed our current UNFICYP Force Commander, adding that the broadening over the years of pool of contributing countries highlights the commitment of the international community to UN peacekeeping, and to achieving peace in Cyprus. Finally, he expressed his appreciation to the government of Australia 'for its generous contribution that made the monument possible', noting that Australia has contributed over 600 police and military personnel to UNFICYP across the span of more than 50 years. 'I hope that this monument, and this location, will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices and commitment made by peacekeepers for peace on this island, and provide a peaceful spot for reflection', he concluded. On behalf of Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Former UNFICYP Force Commander, Major General Cheryl Pearce, said in her address that UNFICYP continues to deliver on its core mandate for the de-escalation of tensions along the ceasefire line, while continuing to building conditions conducive for peace and creating space for a political solution for the resolution of the Cyprus issue. She added that the 60-year milestone is a reminder of how long the people of Cyprus have been waiting for a resolution, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices of the approximately 150,000 personnel who have served with the mission. The Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus Fiona McKergow said on her part that the anniversary provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifice of the peacekeepers and the continued hard work for a peaceful settlement. The peacekeeping mission in Cyprus holds a special and enduring place in the heart of many Australians, she added and highlighted Australia's longstanding support to peace on the island. Subsequently, representatives of the troop - and police-contributing countries laid wreaths at the monument, honouring the contributions and sacrifice of UN peacekeepers serving in Cyprus. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Source: Cyprus News Agency
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