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THE BLUE BERET Dag Hammarskjöld Building Tolerance Published monthly by the: Centenary marked Public Information Office The month featured two significant international Force in days. One, 16 November, is dedicated to promoting Cyprus International (and communal) Tolerance. The at Ledra Palace HQ UNFICYP second, 25 November, the day dedicated worldwide n 22 November, UNFICYP and the Swedish PO Box 21642 to the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Embassy in Cyprus co-hosted a special evening 1590 Nicosia Oin Ledra Palace to mark the 100th anniversary of Cyprus In his 16 November message, the Secretary- the birth of Dag Hammarskjöld, the United Nations General notes that intolerance, a global issue, is on Tel: 2261-4550/4416/4408 second Secretary-General. Hammarskjöld served from Fax: 2261-4461 the increase in many parts of the world at local or 7 April 1953 until his death in a plane crash at Ndola, E-mail: [email protected] national level. This is why efforts to promote global Zambia, on 18 September 1961, at the height of the [email protected] norms against intolerance need to be combined with Congo crisis. He was awarded the Website:www.unficyp.org local, national and especially individual measures. posthumously. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld at a press Sadly, intolerance of “the other”, whether based As UNFICYP Force Commander Hebert Figoli said in conference in June 1961 Editorial Team his welcoming address, Hammarskjöld was the father on race, ethnicity or creed, is all too pervasive in of UN peacekeeping, laying down many of the precepts Would he have been more successful than any of Brian Kelly this day’s world. Instead of celebrating and Anne Bursey that we now take for granted. UNEF, the UN’s first his five successors? “Despite all his diplomatic skills recognizing the diversity that so uniquely enriches peacekeeping force, was formed during his first term and inventiveness, I am not so sure that he would Capt. Stefan Zemanovic the human condition, communities too often retreat as SG as a result of the Suez crisis in 1956. have been able to achieve much more than they Miriam Taylor into themselves behind barricades of fear and Dag Hammarskjöld was a diplomatic pioneer and managed, in close cooperation with the Security Aldo Henríquez ignorance. pathfinder. He brought to the UN a combination of the Council”, Ambassador Lindahl concluded. Sgt. Adrián Artimovic (Photographer) This fear of the unknown, of the “other”, is rooted self-effacing discipline of the career professional public He pointed out that frustrating all UN initiatives is civil servant and the aesthetic of the thoughtful vis- the fact that Cyprus, like some other regions in the in ignorance, and leaves the community the victim of Unit Press Officers ionary. He was fierce in his defence of the Secretariat’s world, lacks one of the prerequisite for conflict solution Sector 1 Capt. Bruno Varani a hostile mindset that attacks what it does not know independence, resisting the Soviet Union’s demand for – a culture of compromise. This had been commented Sector 2/MFR Capt. Anna Halloran rather than explore what makes us different. his resignation in 1960 over the handling of the Congo on by the first Swedish commander to serve with Sector 4 MSgt. Silvia Lojanová Building tolerance takes time and effort. It cannot crisis, and again, in 1961, famously arguing the case UNFICYP in 1964 and by the last in 1987. The same be achieved overnight. Education is the key. The for an independent, international civil service. sentiment ran through the reports of Secretary- Capt. Tibor Berecz Ambassador Ingemar Lindahl of Sweden pointed Generals Waldheim, Pérez de Cuellar and Boutros- UNPOL Sgt. Jim Flanagan school system is where we inculcate the citizens of tomorrow with the values of tolerance, human rights out how Hammarskjöld's legacy as Secretary-General Ghali to the Security Council. UN Flt was his inventive diplomacy, which extended the The Ambassador quoted Pérez de Cuellar, who also Lt. Wenceslao Bona and fundamental freedoms. FMPU Capt. Jozef Sventek influence of the World Organisation on the basis of its served as Special Representative in Cyprus: “After my Beyond the schools, we do well to remember that charter, and his moral integrity as leader of the efforts during more than 12 years I would like to des- The Blue Beret is UNFICYP’s in-house adults too can benefit from learning about the Organisation, which made it possible to successfully cribe the Cyprus problem as a labyrinth from which

Serving UNFICYP’s civilian, military and police personnel Serving UNFICYP’s journal. Views expressed are of the underpinnings of tolerance. As parents, lawmakers, realize his diplomatic initiatives. every promising exit only leads back to the point of authors concerned, and do not neces- and law-enforcers, for example, informed adult role He also noted how had once said there departure.” sarily conform with official policy. models can be catalysts for progress and openness in could be no better rule of thumb for a Secretary- Lindahl pointed out how Sir Kieran Prendergast, multicultural communities. General as he approaches each new challenge or crisis “the latest UN envoy to Cyprus”, had reported last Articles of general interest (plus photos than to ask himself how Hammarskjöld would have June that there remained “a considerable gap” with captions) are invited from all The same is true when it comes to the drive to handled this? How might Hammarskjöld have handled between the positions of the two parties, making it members of the Force. eliminate violence against women because on this the Cyprus situation? difficult to embark on a new UN initiative. Copyright of all material is vested in UN issue there are no grounds for tolerance and not “Hammarskjöld believed that the UN must be an publications, but may be reproduced tolerable excuses. organic instrument, all the time developing new forms with the Editor’s permission. of dynamic action to solve long-standing conflicts. Hopefully, that kind of belief and determination will be shown in the case of Cyprus also by his successors – as well as by the local political leaders – resulting in a Contents new forward-looking initiative for the reunification of the island. In his literary testament, Waymarks Editorial/Contents ...... 2 (Markings), Hammarskjöld says that ‘only those who Dag Hammarskjöld/Nobel Peace Prize awarded . .3 can look forward will be able to find the way’.” UNFICYP Medal Parade in Pyla ...... 4-5 Later, two speakers from Sweden – Professor Peter Wallensteen, conflict resolution expert and holder of Military Skills Competition ...... 6-8 the Dag Hammarskjöld chair at Uppsala University, International Days: Tolerance/ and Ambassador Kaj Falkman, writer, diplomat, author, President of the Swedish Haiku Society, and former Elimination of Violence Against Women ...... 9 special adviser on the Cyprus issue to the Swedish Sector 2 News ...... 10 Foreign Minister – spoke respectively of Hammarskjöld’s Ambassador Lindahl with Senior Adviser Susan Allee, diplomatic achievements as Secretary-General and Remembrance Sunday/Bonfire Night ...... 11 Ambassador Falkman and Professor Wallensteen at about his creative persona as writer, poet and Keeping up with the Training ...... 12 the old Nicosia International Airport philosopher. New Faces ...... 13 De-Mining Update/Notices ...... 14 IAEA Awarded Nobel Peace Prize Sporting Features ...... 15 he 2005 Nobel peace prize has gone crowns ($1.29m) will be presented in Tjointly to Mohamed ElBaradei and the December in Oslo. International Atomic Energy Agency he In keeping with tradition, it is awarded Front Cover: UNFICYP Medal Parade in Pyla leads, the Nobel committee announced in in the Norwegian capital, while the other Oslo on 7 October. ElBaradei was recently Nobel prizes – for excellence in physics, Back Cover: Military Skills Tested confirmed as IAEA director for a third chemistry, medicine and literature – are term. The prize of 10 million Swedish awarded in Stockholm. 2 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 3 november 2005.qxp 12/6/2005 3:14 PM Page 5

Pyla’sPyla’s FirstFirst MedalMedal ParadeParade –– “.... Pyla ChiefChief ofof Mission’sMission’s LastLast is a village we in the UN hold in special regard ....”

s the sun disappeared over the top of the UNPOL Netherlands, India, Ireland and Italy. The assembled theme in a spirit of strengthening the link between the UNPOL contingents. The band also entertained the Station, members of the UN Police Component of police officers in their magnificent array of dress people of Pyla and UNPOL. This was achieved in no crowd with a repertoire of well-known tunes. AUNFICYP stood to receive their UN Medal from uniforms from four different continents presented a small measure. The UNPOL officers put a great deal of effort into Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowicz. On 17 November, truly United Nations spectacle. A sense of duty and Pyla residents, UNPOL officers and their families preparing the village for the occasion. However the the UNPOL medal parade took place in the lovely pride were clearly the order of the day. were joined by many guests including Irish Ambassa- success was not theirs alone. Thanks are also due to village of Pyla. Pyla, the only bi-communal village in the buffer dor John Swift, Dutch Ambassador M.E.C. Gevers, SLOVCON Sector 4, who provided the catering, It was the SRSG’s final medal parade as he nears zone, is home to one of UNPOL’s 10 stations. It is Italian Ambassador Luigi Napolitano, Deputy Australian BRITCON, who provided logistical support, ARGCON, the end of his assignment after five and a half years under the command of Supt. Liam Mayock from High Commissioner John Morrison, Papal Envoy Fr. who helped with the driving, Sgt. John Henderson and with UNFICYP. In his speech, he commended the Ireland. Supt. Mayock has been stationed there since Umberto Barato, and Indian High Commission Deputy his staff from the FMPU, Sgt. Lisa Coleman and Ms. medal recipients “who serve the community, both February last. During this time, he and his colleagues Secretary Anil Kumba, as well as visiting Irish Diana Bridger for helping prepare the special pro- international and local, and in doing so, represent a have become friendly with the mayors, muhktars and Assistant Commissioner of Police Noel Smyth. gramme booklet, and, of course, Force Photographer fine example of diversity and multiculturalism at the people of this and surrounding villages. Org- Many thanks go to the members of the Royal Irish Sgt. Adrián Artimovic. work”. In all, there were 39 medal recipients from anising the UNPOL Medal Parade with Senior Police Regiment Band, under the baton of Capt. Alex Knox, On behalf of the Senior Police Adviser, a big thank seven countries – Argentina, Australia, Bosnia, the Adviser Carla Van Maris, Liam focused on a bi-communal who so skillfully played the national anthems of the you to all.

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most teams joking around while team placed third, thanks to the MilitaryMilitary SkillsSkills CompetitionCompetition gearing up. Never having run with top guns on my HQ team. a rifle before (being a first-time The sun by this time was up and NovemberNovember 20052005 civilian competitor), I struggled to shining bright. Those who survived get the sling organised while the gruelling test intact made me walking over to the race start, feel out of my league. The 12-hour when suddenly, the Chief of Staff day ahead was to take each team The Blue Beret’s Anne sounded the start horn at 6:00 through eight stands. The UNFICYP Bursey reviews the a.m., and the race was underway. questionnaire test included some competition from a I thought I had trained well and hilarious multiple-choice answers: good enough for this moment, but e.g. “In the Code of Conduct, what civilian competitor’s what I discovered within the next should a Peacekeeper refrain from perspective five minutes taught me there is doing?” Choice 3. Sunbathe). never enough TRAINING! The gun We moved on to the Weapon run course in the last competition Run; Cross Country Driving; Map consisted of a 5.9 km stretch along Reading and Orienteering: Shoot- flat and paved roads. This year, the ing; Incident Reaction; Patrol and COS and Lt. Col. Núñez were clearly Sector 1 slugs it out in the Obstacle in cahoots with their brilliant Course mud concept to add a new twist. Why not make it a little more challen- Observation; ending up with the ging? Nothing like carving out five dreaded Obstacle Course. The best treacherous burms; throw in Team HQ UNFICYP’s part of the day, aside from shuffling Maj. Varvölgyi places third several steep climbs and why not from stand to stand encouraged by overall in the Weapon Run make it a bumpy and muddy cross- my never-less-than-supportive team country trail? Brilliant! I had to mates, was crossing paths with so slow down to a walk several times many colleagues. This was unlike to catch my breath. To say the the races I had run previously, course was difficult would be a where you just don’t get to share gross understatement! Despite my Team HQ UNFICYP struggles with the the moment with so many familiar late crossing of the finish line, our jerry can on the Obstacle Course faces. My favourite stand was the Incident Reaction where theatrics were high. I found myself chuck- ling quite a bit – nerves, I hate to admit. As with all stands, before the start we were read a scenario of what we were about to enter. In this case, an accident had occurred in a minefield just ahead. Our team captain, Maj. Varvölgyi, leads the way in. We approach the Capt. Anna O’Halloran, team Miserable conditions on the Sector 1 ticks the Map Reading situation with caution, since we Sector 2A. Driving Course. exam. were advised there were “hunters in the buffer zone”. We spread out, he alarm went off. It was 4:30 Excon in the centre of the UNPA, 10 his blessing with a “good-to-go re-enacting a patrol, when sudden- a.m. – zero:dark-hundred. teams of six queued up like sheep Anne”. By now, I had only 10 ly, a “stranger” rushes over to us TThrew on my uniform and took awaiting orders from WO2 Robert minutes to prepare for the Weapon shouting hysterically. Maj. Varvölgyi the dogs out for a quick trot around Pomfret for the weigh-in at 5:15 Run and the sun was still hiding her pulls him gently aside to calm the the block. The temp was nine a.m. This MSC, each of the three warming rays. Sector 2 deal with the “casualty” at the Incident Reaction stand. man and to probe for information degrees and not raining, a great sectors nominated two teams (A Despite the cold darkness, I about the situation. Maj. Wright relief. I had to meet my UNFICYP and B) while the UNPA had teams could tell the energy was high with hits the radio and begins to call out HQ teammates in 40 minutes to HQ, UNPOL, and a the signs to explain it all to the sign out weapons at the MFR. That mixed team com- “JOC”. The fictitious scenario day, 23 November, was the 10th prising MFR, Force opened out to a small clearing UNFICYP Military Skills Competition Engineers, FMPU where a woman lay screaming, (MSC) and so, eating my usually and UN Flight. arms flailing, lying in a pool of large breakfast was out of the Bergen and web- “blood”. I could see that she had question if I wanted to avoid bing were slung lost a leg. Straight ahead there was cramps at the very first event of onto the scales. My a soldier and a man ran toward us the day – a 5.5 km run with a rifle kit was overweight (the accident victim’s husband) and 12 kilos on my back! by two kilos (too while to our right, the referees After three months of 6:00 a.m. much extra warm watched carefully. The FMO runs, assault course bruising and a clothing, I guess). followed our every step along the mere six hours of practice at the After tipping out paved road jotting down notes on shooting range (never held a two bottles of water FC, COO, CO Sector 2 and Chief Controller Núñez join our moves. At first I was ordered to weapon in my life before that), the and re-weighing, Sector 2’s B winning members – Lt. Andy Greaves, WO2 stand guard, then sent to talk to big day had finally arrived. At MSC WO2 Pomfret gave Ian Battersby, Cpl. Rial Dastur, Bdr. Damien Winnard, LBdr. James Webster and Pte. Nina Qarau SLOVCON fired it up at the Shooting stand the screaming woman as we had to 6 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 7 november 2005.qxp 12/6/2005 3:14 PM Page 9

actions seemed to fall into place as second, Sector 1A; third, Sector MSC standard procedure. 2A. Congratulations to all competi- International Day of Tolerance keep her conscious until “medical Last stand, the mother of all tors for their pre-race training ighting intolerance in all its forms has been fundamental to the work of the UN for 60 years. The Internatinal help arrived via helicopter”. How- MSC events – the Obstacle Course. efforts, for waking up at 4:30 a.m. FDay of Tolerance was celebrated on 16 November. In his message, the Secretary-General noted how mankind’s ever, I am warned not to enter the In summary – it was miserably wet and laughing all the way to the acceptance of the diversity so characteristic of the human condition has been “painfully lacking”, and why minefield where the “victim” lies. and muddy, my heart was up in my finish. And a very special thanks to intolerance of the “other” remains a source of great and everyday human suffering. Helpless, I shouted to her, asked throat the entire duration and I Sarah Staples for free delivery of To help observe the day, a set of guidelines has been put together to help stimulate creative thinking in municipalities and parliaments, schools and universities, clubs and associations, work places, non-governmental her name (Rebecca) and told her: thought my arms were going to rip organisations, and the media. “why the chicken crossed the road” right off from carrying those Building tolerance and trust in diverse communities is not done overnight, but takes time and commitment. jokes (she laughed). Suddenly, wretched jerry cans. With friends Building tolerance requires access to education. Intolerance is often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the Rebecca stopped shouting. Before and colleagues cheering along the sidelines the pressure was defi- unknown, of the "other", other cultures, religions and nations. Intolerance is also closely linked to an exaggerated we could determine the designated sense of self-worth and pride: notions taught and learned at an early age. Therefore, there is a need to place greater nitely on to move fast. No time to safe way into the minefield emphasis on educating children about tolerance, human rights and fundamental freedoms. stop to rest the heavy weight on (through a cement walkway), she However, education does not end in school. Adults – as individuals capable of committing acts of intolerance, but stopped moving. Rebecca “died” the ground. I was caked with mud more importantly in their capacity as parents, law-makers and law-enforcement officials – also need to be considered on us! OK, so this stinks. We end and could barely grip the walls that a priority target of educational efforts. up making our way into the I was being hurled over. Like clock- While the problem of intolerance is global, in the sense that it is on the increase in many parts of the world, the minefield safely, and even though work we pushed on, whizzing over manifestations of intolerance usually take on local or national forms. Thus, in order to be effective, global norms the victim has “stopped breathing”, walls, under wires and through against intolerance need to be combined with local, national and not least individual measures. we applied first aid, tried to stop tunnels (except when I fell stepping The ideas below are a starting point for thinking about how to boost the promotion of tolerance. the “bleeding” and carried her out through those miserable tyres!). I of the area to await the “helicop- love that trick my teammate, Maj. 1. Diversity in Your Community plants and animals, we couldn’t survive if we were all the Moon, so effortlessly pulls off – Wherever you live, the wide diversity of your community same. Some examples of this truth drawn from daily life in ter”. We lost several points for your town? Concrete examples of how a culture of peace races up to a 12-foot concrete wall, will probably surprise you. It has been said that a culture letting Rebecca “die”, but overall, is the sum total of all the influences that a region has and tolerance can promote environmental preservation? we did alright in my book. propels off the face with one foot undergone. Undertake an investigative project on cultural 6. Religious Tolerance and rockets up over the top, grab- Dirty laundry for everyone.. I had a great time watching my diversity in your town or community. Who lives there? How Organise an event, with the participation of different team strut their bing the edge to pull himself over flap jacks and tea; to the DS who do they live? Articles, interviews, posters or displays can be religious and non-religious groups in the community, to designed to highlight the range of identities and cultures. stuff. It is all in one swoop. Easy (hmmf). The commandeered each stand; to the discuss how tolerance is taught. How is tolerance taught by the different religions of the world, including the traditions very exciting assault course is the ugliest and umpires who made the tough calls 2. Human Rights most exhilarating stand in the and occasionally negotiated dis- of indigenous peoples? Each of them, in its own way, is as a civilian How are the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, founded on love and justice, and cannot be used to justify to watch competition. putes; and especially to the Chief religious, linguistic or other minorities guaranteed in your violence or war. Dialogue and discussion between repre- community, nation, region? How about indigenous people, what the Crossing the finish was like Controller, Lt. Col. Núñez, for his sentatives of many religious groups is a tradition that goes nothing I had experienced before. clever course design and for migrant workers, asylum-seekers and refugees, disabled back centuries. military people? Are their rights promoted and protected? Are law- are trained The competition was finally over. I running the competition’s seamless enforcement officials adequately educated about human 7. Current Events to do. The was on a high. ARGCON had schedule. rights? Can you improve attitudes or behaviour toward Organise discussions about current events in relation to tolerance and intolerance. What are the fundamental rights situation brought along drummers who My aching back will forever be minorities? pounded out their war-path beats; grateful! 3. Do-lt-Yourself Tolerance Programme and freedoms recognised by the international community? was quickly How do multi-cultural, multi-linguistic countries work? What assessed, SLOVCON, wearing black head- AB Write your own tolerance curriculum or programme. This are the common interests that diverse peoples share? means deciding what the component parts of tolerance are, everyone bands and laughing so hard, rolled 8. Sports and Tolerance on the ground at the finish line and how you think such values can best be transmitted. had Scrutinise text books and TVs, newspapers and magazines What are international sporting events, and what is their their chanting: “Ticky tick, ticky tick”(?); for stereotyping, including gender typing, and assumptions purpose? What are the possible links between sports and orders and UNPOL’s team was all smiles, about nationalities and ethnic groups. What are the toler- intolerance (such as exclusion of those unable to compete, ance priorities for your town, country or region? competitive chauvinism and violence) and how may these and walking around like zombies, smeared with mud up to their ear- 4. No to Violence be remedied? lobes. It was a terrific scene, How does violence enter a community, school or home, 9. Creativity at Work imbued with the senses of accom- and how can it be stopped? Act out the dynamics of Examine the work of an artist from another region of the tolerance and intolerance through role playing, dialogue, world. What does it communicate to you? Create short plishment, relief and team spirit. I dilemma solving. Organise public debates, take sides, then stories, plays, poems, songs, articles, paintings, posters, was glad to be there, even though switch sides and speak for the opposite position. How do photographs, or videos elucidating the themes of tolerance, my back was aching. you imagine peaceful co-existence of diverse individuals and publish or distribute them. FC Maj. Gen. Figoli, like a proud and groups? What makes it work? 10. International Link-ups father, handed out the day’s 5. Ecological Diversity and Human Diversity Start an international conversation or school-pairing awards. First place, Sector 2B, Chief Controller Lt. Col. Núñez Every community is based on interdependence. Like the project, by mail or computer. Team Results InternationalInternational DayDay forfor thethe EliminationElimination ofof Team Place Weapon Driving Question Navex. Shooting Incident Patrol Obstacle Run Reaction Observe Course ViolenceViolence AgainstAgainst WomenWomen SG – 25 November 2005 Sect 2-B 1 3 1 5 6 2 5 1 3 “ iolence against women remains pervasive worldwide. It is the most atrocious manifestation of the systemic Sect 1-A 2 2 2 8 4 1 4 8 1 discrimination and inequality women continue to face, in law and in their everyday lives, around the world. It occurs Sect 2-A 3 6 4 2 7 3 3 2 7 Vin every region, country, and culture, regardless of income, class, race or ethnicity. MFR 4 5 3 1 5 4 2 10 5 Gender-based violence is also damaging to society as a whole. It can prevent women from engaging in productive Sect 1-B 5 7 10 7 2 4 6 4 2 employment, and girls from attending school. It makes women more vulnerable to forced and unprotected sex, which plays a key role in the spread of HIV/AIDS. It takes a deep and enduring toll on the entire family, including and especially HQ 6 4 8 9 1 8 7 2 4 the next generation. UN Mixed 7 8 5 4 3 4 10 6 8 UNPOL’s At the World Summit in September, leaders pledged to redouble efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against Sgt. Janine Sect 4-A 8 1 9 2 10 9 9 4 6 women and the girl child. We know that this requires us to change the mindset, still all too common and deep-seated, Peck up to UNPOL 9 9 7 6 9 10 1 8 9 that violence against women is acceptable. That means leadership in showing, by example, that when it comes to her earlobes violence against women and girls, there are no grounds for tolerance and no tolerable excuses. On this International in mud after Sect 4-B 10 10 6 10 8 4 8 6 10 the Obstacle Note: highest score 10, lowest score 1 Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us rededicate ourselves to that mission.” Course. 8 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 9 november 2005.qxp 12/6/2005 3:15 PM Page 11

Sector 2 News Remembrance he advance party from 12 Regt RA left from their Sunday home base in Paderborne, Germany, for Cyprus Ton 23 September and was welcomed by tempera- n Sunday 13 November, Representatives from many tures still in the high 30s. We were happy to take more than 300 people countries within UNFICYP atten- advantage of the last remaining warm weather before Ogathered to remember the ded and 23 wreaths were laid embarking on a crash course on the complexities of victims of war at the BRITCON under the direction of the the unique environment that we are to work in for the Remembrance Service led by the BRITCON, SO2 Maj. Mark next six months. padre, Rev. Stephen Hancock. Grieveson. Music was provided Time on the ground was the main aim for the The service took place in by members of the Band of the troops, trying to learn in detail their areas of respon- Wayne’s Keep cemetery in the Royal Irish Regiment. Padre sibility so that all had intimate knowledge of the buffer zone, an appropriate and Hancock noted the significance opposing forces ceasefire lines, OPs and the main scenic location. With the Kyrenia of the occasion, saying it was areas of concern. The first few weeks were somewhat mountains as a backdrop, wor- “good, right, and a privilege to of a patrol-dominated blur. As surmised, both OPFORS The Royal Irish Band shippers sat among the head- be present at such a service”. welcomed us with unexpected incidents designed to Force Commander Maj. Gen. Hebert Figoli and British stones of the fallen under the He reminded the attendance test our diplomacy! High Commissioner Peter Millett. The preparation for watchful eye of the Turkish OPs. that those who fell in war had this began long before the event. The Ledra Palace The two-minute silence paid the ultimate sacrifice and Hotel facelift, particularly the gardens, was acclaimed commenced with the firing of a that, through our efforts, their by many. The evening was a great success. Guests 12-pound field gun provided by sacrifice need not be in vain as and members of Sector 2 enjoyed drinks, nibbles and 12 Regt RA. The commitment we strive for peace among good conversation near the swimming pool. Musical and hard work of the Regiment nations. entertainment included the Royal Irish Band, the helped ensure a poignant service. In conclusion he said: “With Regiment’s Fijians and also a local group. Afterwards, the Regiment catered God’s help and regardless of for the Royal British Legion lunch nation, ‘we will remember in the Ledra Palace. them’.” Bonfire Night he annual Bonfire Night, 5 November, took place in the area behind UNDP’s Toffices. The traditional event was formally opened this year by the Force Commander’s 12 Regt Fijians creating a warm atmosphere wife, Nelida Scarone, who lit the bonfire. The event started at 6.00 p.m., and by 6.30 p.m., The month of October was busy for Sector 2, pre- the place was packed! senting many more challenges than patrols and The organising committee’s efforts to incident-reactions. For one thing, there was the Chief encourage more families to attend paid off. of Staff’s inspection, devised to ensure operational Over 700 civilian, military and police members effectiveness. arrived, many with dependents and friends, so The 3 November cocktail party was a great oppor- much so that the evening recorded the best tunity to invite guests from all over the island, attendance in years. including SRSG Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowicz, Stepping out at a successful reception An excellent array of food was prepared by HUNCON and UN Flight. However, so great was the turnout that the 600 catered for was exceeded. Meal tickets had to be refunded at On the sporting the end of the evening. Many apologies to those who did not eat! However, no one starved. There were sau- front... sage stands, sweet corn and candy floss run The Regimental rugby team, otherwise known as by local stall holders. There was also a beer the “Nicosia Stormers”, has had noticeable success tent and a children’s entertainment area run to date, winning all four of its games against local by BRITCON. The most popular stall was the tombola. It attracted teams. Most convincing was the 71-0 defeat of One of the main attrac- a huge and continuous stream of visitors with a selec- Limassol! tions was the HIVE tent, tion of prizes donated by individuals and outside organi- Turning to the “beautiful game”, sad to say that with lots of competitions sations – from bottles of spirits to weekends away, etc. despite training hard under the watchful eyes of for the children including Nothing, however, could outshine the star event – Capt. Anton Johnson, the football team has yet to painting (all age groups), the fireworks display. A local company, M.J.D. Pyrgos match the guys with the oval ball. On their first a lucky dip and the "best Fireworks Ltd. of Larnaca, provided an impressive outing, they lost 6-1 to MFR (first match nerves, no guy for the bonfire". show of dazzling pyrotechnics which lit up the night doubt)! Fund-raising activities skies, giving all present 15 minutes of spectacular The Regiment also entered three teams in the included a sale of home- entertainment. Dhekelia Dash, an event consisting of a 15-mile baked cakes (thanks to Many thanks to all who provided individual support route completed by 15 individuals, each running a BRITCON wives) and a to the stands for their enthusiasm in making the event mile. Of 20+ teams, the Regiment finished second, sale of old library books. so memorable, particularly for the children; to Maj. Fred beaten only by the resident battalion. Raffle prizes were don- Reid as overall coordinator for the event; to the small ated by the local hotel band of women from the HIVE; and all those who joined Right: Bdr. Lee Pearn chases and tourist industry, and in. Hopefully you will all be with us next year for an even tough competition at the Dhekelia Dash the NAAFI provided the more memorable event. star prize of a colour TV. Alex Boyd, Chairman, Welfare Committee 10 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 11 november 2005.qxp 12/6/2005 3:15 PM Page 13

Keeping up with the Training New Faces Exercise “MOLO Neophyte” New CPO he new CPO, Hasita Wimala- again in the procurement division, Sector 1 helps train new MOLOs chandra, arrived on island on where he stayed until May 2000. s part of the third MOLO course, which took T2 October, initially for a two- During this tour, he spent from place in the UNPA 3-14 October, Sector 1 year tour. Hasita was born in June to August 1999 in the Skopje AMOLOs organised the Confirmatory Exer- Colombo, Ceylon, and is now a Liaison Office as an Associate cise, suitably christened “MOLO Neophyte”. resident of New Zealand. Procurement Officer, assisting in Sector 1 devised and conducted this exercise so Hasita has had much UN exper- the start-up of UNMIK mission. as to include most of the contingencies/incidents ience in the past. Having joined in From June 2000 to January that MOLOs might have to face, assess, advise April 1997, he served as a trainee 2003, Hasita served in UNIFIL, about and/or resolve. until July 1997 in the HQ UN Pro- Naqoura, as a Procurement Officer. The exercise was divided in two circuits. One curement Division. In August 1997, Then in February 2003, he moved was on foot over 4.8 km of broken terrain, he was posted to UNMIBH (Sarajevo), to UNMOGIP, Rawalpindi, as the including a taxing climb up “Heartbreak Ridge”, Chief Procurement Officer, a 436 metres-high hill. The other, by vehicle, serving there until Sep- ran for 55 km over roads, routes and different tember 2005. He took a parts of Sector 1 patrol track. In different situa- brief time out from May to tions, MOLO students had to confront irate June 2005 to serve as the OPFOR commanders (and solicitous but rather Chief Procurement Officer inept interpreters), change flat tyres and deal in MINUSTAH, Port-au- (and only) hobby is cars – classic with intruders, among other incidents. Prince. cars in particular, but ALL cars – a After 10 hours, the tired MOLOs started Hasita is accompanied by true petrol head! working on their reports and minutes, which his wife, Prini. His main were handed over early next day. Thus, Sector 1 and its experienced MOLOs On 19 October, the new Pro- A small feast was organised contributed to train UNFICYP’s newest batch of curement Chief hosted a break- by his staff and most of us had MOLOs. Congratulations to all in Sector 1 who fast in his department – an added quite a few calories by helped. excellent way to meet up with the end of this event! Perhaps his new colleagues in the UNPA. he is setting a trend? CM Wlosowicz welcomed by the CPO FMPU Induction Course Jennifer Wright joins CMP meter training, crime scene preservation, road traffic accidental initial procedure, recording ennifer Wright arrived in Cyprus years before joining the Inter- photographs and sketch plans. The training on 1 November to take up the national Committee of the Red and "secrets" of military police work were very Jpost of assistant to the Third Cross (ICRC) in Geneva in 1995. interesting, particularly for the Argentinian and Member of the Committee on She was sent on her first mission to Hungarian newcomers. Back home, they have Missing Persons. Bosnia, after which she was posted no such thing as a Military Police Unit, and their Jennifer studied first at Bristol to Colombia. In June 2000, Jennifer military occupations had no connection with University in the UK, where she went to Rwanda, which was police work. The lessons they were given and gained a BA in Modern Languages. followed by a spell in Jerusalem, skills they gained will be put into practice by She continued her studies at Dublin after which she was designated as the new policemen during the unit's annual City University where she gradu- Head of the Latin America Desk, training programme. ated with an MA in International Central Tracing Agency & Protection Three of these new and motivated officers Relations. Division, Geneva in 2002. She held are keen on sports activities, and represented Jennifer started her career this post until 2004. ment. She speaks several langu- the FMPU in the Military Skills Competition. teaching English in 1992. She then Jennifer has a lot of experience ages and her hobbies include Good luck in your tour! worked in the car industry for two in problem-solving and manage- hiking, skiing, music and reading.

UN Flight Depart – Plus One! Adriano and On this occa- Agustin sion, Capt. Adri- ano Ferrari was “mugged out” by his CO, Lt. Col. Osvaldo Albanesi. ollowing every rotation, the Force Military Police This was the fifth Unit carries out induction training for its new time Adriano – Fpersonnel. So, between 17 and 19 October, six famed throughout Argentinians, two Hungarians and four Slovaks were this mission for introduced to the FMPU's role within UNFICYP. his tango lessons The training commenced with an introduction to the – had served with Force Provost Marshal, Maj. John Watson, and to the UNFICYP. On the FMPU team, station and rules of discipline within the first three occasions he returned home alone. unit. It incorporated theoretical training, carried out in n 24 November, 10 departing members of UN On his last tour, he returned with his wife – and the International Police Club, and practical drills in and Flt, along with friends and colleagues, gathered this time they are three! Little Agustin, their first born around the UNPA. These included two days of Otogether in the International Cafeteria for the son, accompanies them. Who knows what any future shooting exercises, fire-fighting, speed check/speed last time this tour. tours may hold?! 12 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 13 november 2005.qxp 12/6/2005 3:15 PM Page 15

De-Mining Sporting Features Update Re-match Ends in Tie! capability to ensure that mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) he wait was finally over. The are removed in a safe, time- rematch between the Greek efficient and cost-effective man- TCypriot and Turkish Cypriot ner in accordance with inter- soccer teams from the village of national mine action standards. Pyla was played in the Aydan Launched in November 2002, Karahan stadium on 22 October. the Mine Action Centre com- Although the sun was shining, pleted Phase I of its project in there was a hefty breeze blowing July 2005, with 13 National around the soccer grounds. The Guard minefields cleared in the atmosphere gradually rew much buffer zone. Phase II was warmer as a crowd of 80 to 100 he Mine Action Centre Cyprus (MACC) is an EU/UN launched on 12 August 2005 people gathered to cheer on their partnership set up under the umbrella of UNDP’s with the cooperation of the Turkish Forces (TF). So far, teams. TPFF “Partnership for the Future”. The project has three TF minefields in Nicosia city area have been However, because of a slight committed 4.0 million euros for de-mining operations in cleared. confusion in timings, the match, Cyprus between 2004 and 2006. The project is imple- due to start at 3.00 p.m, didn’t kick mented with the technical assistance of the United Under its new slogan “A step to the future”, the off until one hour later. We were Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and with fulll renamed Mine Action Centre in Cyprus (MACC) entertained, though, by Insp. Denis Capt. Sikel, match referee, with the two team captains support from UNFICYP. has cleared 591,306 square metres of land in Hilliard displaying his amazing The MACC manages and supports mine clearance the buffer zone to date, and has detonated a goal-keeping skills as he played and mine clearance-related activities in the buffer zone. total of 2,242 mines. football with some of the local card if there was any more pushing her canine companion, Buddy, had It provides a planning, coordination and monitoring children. Denis was later to be and shoving around the refresh- got to a few of the half-time beers seen stumbling around, looking for ments table!! and was eyeing up one of the an oxygen tent and a rub-down During the second half, the wind corner flags as a good watering from a team physio!! picked up even more and our spot!! Sally Anne was last seen Press Conference on 2006 – Mine Action Projects There was a great turn-out by friends from Northern Ireland who being dragged off by Buddy at high hile landmines and other explosive remnants concerted effort to clear mined land, teach people members of UNPOL from Sectors 1, were visiting Cyprus with the speed after a passing beer delivery of war continued to kill and maim thousands how to avoid danger, and destroy stockpiled mines. 2 and 4. At 4.00 p.m., Capt. Sikel, Border Horizons Initiative started truck. So, Lt. Col. Backo stepped in Wof people every year, the number of new vic- He added that the goal of achieving a world free of a member of SLOVCON who and made a presentation tims had been steadily decreasing since the treaty landmines could be reached in a matter of years. was the match referee, ... Pyla matches proved a great of a trophy, as did Supt. banning anti-personnel mines went into effect six “It will require sustained effort by mine-affected accompanied by two collea- Liam Mayock. years ago. countries themselves, non-governmental organisa- gues who were acting as success once again... The Turkish Cypriot Speaking on the release of the new report Port- tions and the 14 United Nations agencies and pro- linesmen, walked onto the side got their revenge for folio of Mine Action Projects 2006, Dermont Carty, grammes involved in mine action”, Mr. Carty said. pitch together with both teams. to turn blue with cold. A mercy their 2-1 defeat after the first Landmines Coordinator, Landmines and Small Arms The 2006 Projects, sponsored by UNICEF, After the captains had exchanged mission was organised and soon match on 17 July. The combined Team of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) featured 350 mine action project proposals for a total team pendants, the game kicked everyone was wrapped up in Irish scores for both games ended with told a press conference at UN HQ earlier this month of 30 countries and three territories, Mr. Carty said. off. The first half was an evenly police pullovers, jackets and even an even score of 2-2. The matches that the decrease in the human toll of landmines Currently, there was a $391 million shortfall in matched affair with a few close an army blanket was seen being proved a great success and once could be attributed to the international communities' funding for the projects. misses by the Turkish Cypriot side. wrapped around a few shoulders!! again showed how peace and At half time, refreshments were The Turkish Cypriot team scored friendship can be achieved through provided for all spectators consist- late in the second half and even- sport. Hopefully, these matches ing of juices, pastries and beers. tually Capt. Sikel blew the final will continue for many years to Sgt. Peter McConnon was warned whistle. CCAO Sally Anne Corcoran come. Notices that he would be given a yellow was to present the prizes, however Paul Curran

UNFICYP Health and Christmas Services in Marathon Major Runs for South Asia Earthquake Safety Committee St. Columba’s Church, UNPA n Sunday 6 November, Maj. Neil Wright, MA to UNFICYP Health and Safety Steering the Force Commander, ran the 2005 Athens Committee would like to remind all Advent Sunday Services: 10.00 am OClassic Marathon to raise money for the victims staff that UNFICYP personnel have the Christmas starts here ... of the South Asia earthquake. facility to pass on any concerns and Second Sunday in Advent - 4 December Starting in Marathon, to the northeast of Athens, observations or requests for informa- Third Sunday in Advent - 11 December and finishing in the city centre, the 42 km route follows that of the first marathon ever run, 2,500 tion with regard to health and safety Fourth Sunday in Advent - 18 December years ago. Legend has it that, in 490 BC, Pheidippides matters in their particular area of work. Christmas Morning Family Service - 25 December Please include as much detail as ran from Marathon to Athens carrying a message to his possible. fellow Athenians announcing a great victory over the The point of contact for such inquiries Other Services Persian forces on the plain of Marathon. is Jeremy Ashcroft, Chairperson, Health Much of the route is uphill, climbing from the coastal plain of Marathon, over a range of steep hills and Safety Steering Committee, and he UN Carol Service - 15 December: 5.30 pm can be contacted as follows: and then descending into Athens' spectacular Panathi- BRITCON Carol Service - 20 December: 5.00 pm naic Stadium. Despite hills, hot sun and competition Telephone: 22-614452 Christmas Eve Sector 2 Carol Service: from approximately 3,000 other runners, Neil com- Mobile: 99-516734 24 December: 5.00 pm, LPH pleted the course in 3 hours and 43 minutes. E Mail: [email protected] Christmas Eve Midnight Carols and Prayers - Running to raise money for victims of the South Lotus Notes: Jeremy Ashcroft/ 24 December: 11.45 pm Asia earthquake, Neil has achieved a total of over UNFICYP C£800, thanks to support from members of UNFICYP, family and friends. A big thank you to all who sponsored him! 14 November 2005 - The Blue Beret November 2005 - The Blue Beret 15