21.10.2010.

Serbian peace keepers leave for Cyprus

Deputy Chief of General Staff LTG Mladen Cirkovic together with the director of the Peacekeeping operations center Colonel Jelisije Radivojevic saw off members of MoD and SAF who will be participating in UNFICYP-UN peace mission stationed in Cyprus.
General Cirkovic wished our contingent a safe journey, stressing the importance of peace missions for the defense system, our country and its army.

- This is one way of SAF’s contributing to preserving global security and stability. We take this stance very seriously and act upon it, which is why we have opted to intensify our participation in multinational peace security forces thus confirming our high level of training and skills. This is your chance to demonstrate your professional qualities and represent your country with dignity. Another reason for feeling so proud today is the fact that you will be leaving on our transport plane, which also presents great honor for our air defense.

Chief of the Peacekeeping operations center Colonel Jelisije Radivojevic reminded the present of our long-standing tradition of being engaged in peace keeping operations which continues.

- Besides missions in Chad, Cote d Ivoire, Liberia and Congo, the Cyprus mission is a continuation of deploying our best army members. I am certain that your motivation and physical fitness will help you to perform your duties well and professionally. This is the first mission in the last four decades with our members going on our transport plane, carrying its own weapons and equipment. For the first time, in four decades we are sending a professional soldier in a foreign peace mission which in the best possible way reflects the future and attractiveness of the military profession, representing a challenge for future and current members of our army.

Serbia’s participation in UN peace missions will start off with seven members, with a certain number of our peace keepers being in charge of staff duties, while other members will patrol the administrative line.

The Un Cyprus mission UNFICYP was established by the UN SC Resolution 1864.