08.09.2016.
New contingent of the Serbian Armed Forces in the UN peacekeeping operation in Cyprus
With the sounds of the national anthem God of Justice from the Banjica barracks, a new contingent of the Serbian Armed Forces was officially seen off to the United Nations multinational operation in Cyprus (UNFICYP).The forces that are sent to the multinational UN operation in the Republic of Cyprus include an infantry platoon of 37 members of the 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade, as the first unit from the composition of the AF and AD, 2 military observers and 6 members of the patrol that will perform responsible tasks in the mission initiated in this ethnically divided Mediterranean island 52 years ago.
The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic, Deputy Chief of General Staff, Major General Vojin C. Jondic, Chief of Operations, Major General Ranko Zivak, Air Force Commander, with associates, members of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, commanders of units and heads of institutions in the "Banjica" barracks and relatives and friends of Serbian peacekeepers who will replaced by a unit of the Army under the eleventh rotation.
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- Departure of members of the 250th Missile Brigade for PVD to the peacekeeping operation in Cyprus is a continuation of the tradition of our participation in the United Nations peacekeeping missions that began back in 1956 with the mission in the Sinai. The Republic of Serbia is committed to the ideas and goals of the United Nations and is actively contributing to the preservation of peace and security in the region and the world within the limits of its capabilities, Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic said, adding that members of the Serbian Armed Forces have been in the mission in Cyprus since 2010 , as part of the Slovak-Hungarian contingent, engaged in tasks of monitoring the front line, preventing restoration of hostility, provision of support in the implementation of human assistance and the establishment and maintenance of the rule of law.- The United Nations has recognized the Serbian Armed Forces as a professional and qualified partner who consistently and principally performs the set tasks of the mission. This represents the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces at their best and contributes to strengthening the reputation of the Republic of Serbia. Performing the tasks beyond the borders of Serbia implies great responsibility, denial and sacrifice. The results of the Serbian Armed Forces in this and other peacekeeping operations so far, were evaluated by the highest honours, confirming the great reputation of a Serbian soldier who has always been the epitome of high professionalism, military virtues and loyalty to the military and the fatherland – General Draganic said.
By handing over the flag of Serbia to Captain Vladan Aleksic, the platoon commander who goes to Cyprus, the Deputy Chief of General Staff said that they should discharge their duties responsibly, with integrity, honesty and discipline, to convey by their acts and behaviour in all situations the messages of peace and build relations of friendship and understanding.
