17.09.2014.

Contingent of the Serbian Armed Forces seen off to mission in Cyprus

Firing squad of the Serbian Armed Forces has been seen off today to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Cyprus. It is the seventh contingent of blue helmets of our troops sent to that country. The ceremony in the Toplicki ustanak barracks in Kursumlija was attended by Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic with associates, local government representatives, relatives and friends of Serbian peacekeepers.

Contingent of total of 46 officers, NCOs and soldiers, including four women, headed today at 14 hours to Hungary from where it will fly to the six-month mission in Cyprus. Firing squad, which has now been officially seen off is composed of members of the 37th Mechanized Battalion of the 3rd Army Brigade. They will take over duties from their colleagues from the 4th Army Brigade who are completing their deployment in Cyprus these days.

Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic pointed out that Serbia returned to the map of countries deploying military units into peacekeeping missions by deploying the fire squad to Cyprus in 2011. He pointed out that by engaging in multinational operations we demonstrate our ability, together with partners from all over the world to work on the preservation of the world peace and security contributing to the international position of Serbia and the reputation of its armed forces.

- You are off to the multinational operation in Cyprus in the service of peace and you should always keep in mind that you are in the mission of our military and our homeland. Your predecessors in this and other missions in which we have participated set high standards by their work, commitment and recognition they deserved – Chief of General Staff said to our peacekeepers and reminded them of the praise and admiration that foreign commanders expressed to Serbian soldiers.

- It is up to you to perform the task in a military, professional, responsible and honest way. And the most important task is to return to your home safely! - General Dikovic ordered wishing them good luck and success in the mission.

The first man of our army has officially handed over the flag of the Republic of Serbia to Captain Aleksandar Kris, platoon commander who is traveling to Cyprus. Captain Kris promised to the Chief of General Staff that he and his colleagues will worthily represent the name of our country and our military.