A monument commemorating the 60th anniversary of the presence of UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus was unveiled in the buffer zone

A monument symbolizing the 60th anniversary of the presence of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (UNFICYP) in Cyprus has been unveiled in the buffer zone. The monument, featuring the flags of 43 countries that participated in the peacekeeping mission, is located near the Ledra Palace Hotel, opposite the House of Solidarity.

The opening ceremony of the monument was attended by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force, Colin Stewart, the High Commissioner of Australia Fiona McQueen, former UNFICYP Force Commander Cheryl Pierce, some foreign ambassadors, heads of missions, attachés, and retired soldiers. Representatives of the police and military wing of the Turkish Armed Forces also participated in the event.

UN representative Colin Stewart highlighted the contribution of the Peacekeeping Forces to maintaining peace on the island and announced that the monument was installed to commemorate the efforts of UN military personnel and officials over 60 years.

The UN Special Representative also thanked the government of Australia, which has deployed 600 police officers and military personnel to Cyprus over 50 years and contributed to the construction of the monument. He expressed hope that the monument would help understand the dedication and sacrifices made by all members of the Peacekeeping Forces.

After speeches by former UN Peacekeeping Force Commander Cheryl Pierce and Australian High Commissioner Fiona McQueen, the ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths at the monument.