23.09.2011.

Serbian peace keepers leave for Cyprus

The Chief of General Staff Gen. Miloje Miletic saw off the Serbian Army platoon which will be deployed in United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in Nis air field yesterday.

The ceremony was attended by State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Zoran Jevtic, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Ljubisa Dikovic, representatives of state administration and local self-government and Raska and Nis, Nis and Zica diocese representatives, the family members of the Serbian contingent and other guests.

On that occasion, General Miletic presented the state flag to Lieutenant Alexander Dramicanin, the commander of the platoon which is sent to the peacekeeping mission.

After the ceremony and the farewell with officials of the Ministry of Defense, the Army of Serbia and family members, Raska peacekeepers boarded AN-26 air craft which will transport them to Larnaca in Cyprus.

On that occasion, General Miletic recalled that nine years ago only three of our officers had been sent to East Timor as military observers, and that now we are one of those countries which do not only recognize the importance of working together on building and maintaining peace and security, but are willing to participate as well. Since then, the Serbian army has been engaged in eight missions, which are in addition to performing military tasks, helping local people and saving lives. Knowledge, professional and dedicated work of our peacekeepers are their works of recognition and awards, earn the respect of his colleagues and to win sympathy of the local population.

" The 21st Battalion of of the Army Second Brigade - General Miletic said - will be remembered as the first of the Serbian Army that went to the United Nations peacekeeping mission. It will perform tasks in the area of UN peacekeeping missions in Cyprus, with our weapons and equipment, with AMET team being deployed too to Larnaca, where they will join the Hungarian-Slovak contingent. This is the best proof that our members are well trained according to the best international standards and that the Republic of Serbia has done much to develop its capacities in the field of defense and security, which can now be seen at the international level as a serious partner. Serbia places great importance to its involvement in programs and activities of the United Nations, especially those pertaining to promotion and preservation of peace. By participating in multinational operations Serbian UN shows that it i an active factor in maintaining stability and security world wide. "

"This will give you the opportunity to be in an international environment, to work with colleagues from other countries, especially Hungary and Slovakia, share experiences on the field and demonstrate your skills and qualities. May you perform your duties diligently and professionally, honorably and humanely. Keep in mind that you will be there to represent our army and our country in the best light both to the foreign armies and the citizens of Cyprus. You should convey to all people you will be in contact with the message of peace and friendship ".

Two officers, 12 non/commissioned officers and 22 professional soldiers who are now going to Cyprus are members of the 21st Sec. Brigade Battalion from Raska, under the command of Lt. Col. Miroslav Stefanovic. The battalion commander did not hide his pride in being a member of the unit which was given the honor to represent our country in the UN peacekeeping mission and said: "In the past we have completed all the necessary training and I am fully confident that our officers and soldiers are ready to go on a mission to Cyprus. The platoon is trained for the challenges and will be worthy of representing the 21st Infantry Battalion, Second Brigade, the Army, the Army of Serbia and the Republic of Serbia ".

General mood was positively felt among the members of the platoon and in the words of the commander LT. Alexander Dramicanin, who said that people had a strong motivation for participation in the peacekeeping mission and wants to do the job properly.

"This morning we were all smiling - says Dramicanin - and even when I did not notice the concern that embarking on this task. We are confident in each other and can hardly wait for the beginning of the mission. Our first task will be to fit the new environment, culture, and multinational environment, and that we will undoubtedly be of assistance to long-term cooperation with armies of other countries in the Ground Safety Zone and participate in exercises in Ukraine and Bulgaria. "