THE BLUE BERET

Published monthly by the:Public Information OfficeUnited Nations Peacekeeping Force inCyprusHQ UNFICYPPO Box 21642Nicosia 1590Cyprus.

Tel: 2286-4550/4416/4408Fax: 2286-4461E-mail: unficyp-blue-beret@un.org

blueberetcyprus@hotmail.comWebsite:www.unficyp.org

Editorial TeamBrian KellyMaj. Ingrid TomekováMiriam TaylorAldo HenríquezMSgt. Martin Mruz (Photographer)

Unit Press OfficersSector 1 Capt. Fernando Pérez KühnSector 2 Capt. Bertie RichardsonSector 4 Lt. Martin Vrbica

Capt. Zoltán SándorUNCIVPOL Supt. Sandy AllanUN Flt Lt. Ariel MaisonMFR Lt. Robert SkeggsFMPU Capt. Robert Litavecz

The Blue Beret is UNFICYP’s in-housejournal. Views expressed are of the authorsconcerned, and do not necessarily conformwith official policy.Articles of general interest (plus photoswith captions) are invited from all membersof the Force.Copyright of all material is vested in UNpublications, but may be reproduced withthe Editor’s permission.

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2 May 2004 - The Blue Beret

SG’s Peacekeeper’s Day MessageLast year, the International Day of United NationsPeacekeepers was inaugurated to commemorate more thanhalf a century of dedication and sacrifice by peacekeepersserving under the UN’s blue flag around the world to buildconfidence, reconcile warring parties and relieve suffering.Alas, the past 12 months have given us many more suchsacrifices to mourn.

Every one of these sacrifices commands our deeprespect. They should also inspire us. We must continueto strive, as those brave peacekeepers did, to make itpossible for the community of nations to live in peace.

Today, more than 53,000 uniformed personnel and atleast 11,000 civilian staff from 94 countries serve in 15missions across the globe. Those numbers are likely toincrease: the Security Council has just approved anoperation for Burundi, and another is being planned forSudan.

The growth in missions is a welcome sign that manycountries are choosing a healthier path as they emergefrom violent conflicts. But it places enormous strain onour existing resources. I urge Member States to providethe additional peacekeepers that will be needed, and theresources to go with them.

Peacekeeping has long since evolved beyond itstraditional role as a monitor of ceasefires. Today, UNmissions engage in such tasks as assisting political tran-sitions, building institutions, fostering the spread of therule of law, supporting economic reconstruction, supervis-ing elections, disarming militias and former combatants,facilitating humanitarian aid programmes and re-settlingrefugees and displaced persons.

In Liberia and Sierra Leone, peacekeepers aredisarming, demobilizing and reintegrating former comba-tants from two brutal civil wars. In Timor-Leste, they arehelping a fledgling nation take its first steps and buildnational institutions. In Western Sahara, they have helpedorganise the first contacts between some refugees and theirfamilies in nearly 30 years.

Peacekeeping missions can never end wars by them-selves. But they do offer the best possible way of ensur-ing there is a sustainable peace. On the International Dayfor UN Peacekeepers, let us remember that the mostexpensive peacekeeping operation costs far less than thecheapest war. That is an investment well worth making.

3May 2004 - The Blue Beret

Front Cover:

Military Skills – Maximum Effort

Contents

Apart from our many Cypriotstaff, others in the UNFICYPfamily had a special interest in

the 1 May EU accession festivitiesthat ran through the evening of 30April in Nicosia – none more so thanour Slovak, Hungarian (and Polish)colleagues, now among the enlargedEU’s expanded citizenship.

A fully packed “Eleftheria”(“Freedom”) Square, bedecked withall 25 EU member flags, was enter-tained by Anna Vissi, one of theisland’s most famous singers. As themidnight hour approached, the count-down began and the EU flag wasslowly raised outside the NicosiaTown Hall. Exactly at midnight, theEU anthem – “Ode To Joy” – re-sounded in all its glory, followed by afireworks display that would haveinspired Beethoven to even greaterheights of compositional genius.

Embassies of “Visegrad 4” (thegeo-political group of Hungary,Poland, and the Czech and SlovakRepublics) helped celebrate theocca-sion with a cultural evening.The Slovak folk group “Muzicka”(see picture above) came from Brati-slava to join groups representingother EU countries like Greece,Hungary, Ireland, Poland and Spain.

Meantime, back “home”, theSlovak nation celebrated the EUaccession and the world ice hockeychampionship finals. Lots of youngpeople attended the celebrations incities throughout Slovakia wearing“tricolour” scarfs and waving Slovakflags. UNFICYP’s Slovak peace-keepers also celebrated. “We havebeen waiting for this day for a longtime. Now we hope to be able to usethe euro very soon”, they said.

Two contingent members repre-sented the Slovak Republic at theNicosia Conference Centre. One puton a display of Slovak craft pro-ducts, while the other played arousing medley of Slovak nationalmusic on his violin (see profiles onpage 6).

At the invitation of the CyprusHungarian Friendship Club, Hungar-ian soldiers celebrated the EUenlargement at the Poseidonia BeachHotel in Limassol. Addressing thespecial dinner, Hungarian Ambassa-dor, Mr. János Kisfalvi, proclaimedaccession day as a great event forboth communities, noting there wasmuch to be gained from EU mem-bership. The dancing lasted into thesmall hours of the followingmorning.

EU Accession Celebrations

From the left: The Slovak Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Ján Varso,WO3 Daniel Zelinsky (craftsman), MSgt. Miroslav Dulaj (violinist),

H.E. Martin Vavra (Czech Ambassador)

Nicosia celebrates

Editorial/Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2EU Accession Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Defenders of Peace and Protectors of Slovak Tradition .4Dancing on Water/Four More “Muggings”/

Kyriakos takes the Plunge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Military Skills Challenge – May 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . .6/7Cultural Heritage of Cyprus: Part XXIII –

The Arch. Makarios III Foundation Cultural Centre .8/9Sector 2 Medal Parade/National Army Days . . . . . . . .10Four-Contingent UNCIVPOL Medal Parade . . . . . . . .11Celebrating Argentine Navy Day/Doing Honour . . . . .12ANZAC Day 2004/Sally Kyriakides . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Visit of Force Commander to Sector 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .14Magnificent Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Military Skills Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Playing in the new Europe

May 2004 - The Blue Beret 54 May 2004 - The Blue Beret

Exercise Unifying Challenge, the Military SkillsCompetition, took place within the UNPA on 19May 2004. Ten six-member teams from across

UNFICYP took part in the exercise, which was won by theMobile Force Reserve team led by Capt. Catherine Monk.

The exercise was designed to be both physically andmentally challenging. To ensure fairness and negate theneed for significant training preparation, the exercise wasredesigned to avoid, where possible, any repetition. Againthe focus was on the practical application of military skillsused on a routine basis by all contingents to operatesuccessfully in the UNFICYP Mission.

Participating teams were Argentinian (South Ameri-can) Contingent Teams 1 and 2; British Contingent Teams1, 2 and 3 (HQ BRITCON); Slovakian Contingent Team1; Hungarian Contingent Team 1; UNCIVPOL Team 1;and HQ UNFICYP Team 1.

Originally, the teams were required to march overuneven ground around an eight-mile circuit, completingtasks as they went, whilst carrying all their equipment,including weapon and helmet. For safety reasons, becauseof the unseasonably high temperatures, last minutechanges had to be made, while ensuring the eventremained realistic and challenging.

For competitors and staff, the day began early withregistration, briefing and inspection. The independent um-pires, designated by the contingents, conducted the inspec-tion and afterwards, the teams were led to the Start Point.

At 0600 hours, 60 competitors set off in a tightlypacked jostling start to the march. MFR completed themarch in the best time of one hour, 28 minutes.

Next, the teams dispersed throughout the UNPA tocomplete the other events. A “Gun Run” required theteams to push an L200 Pick Up along a 300-metre course.MFR also won this event with a time of three minutes, 13seconds.

Rules of Engagement and Equipment Recognitiontested the participants’ powers of observation, reaction,individual knowledge of their respective Rules of Engage-ment and their ability to recognise equipment types.

Navigation was next. Competitors were given a num-ber of Map Reading questions, including distance judgingand providing accurate grid references.

The competitors’ shooting ability was tested at theMarksmanship Stand. Individuals were required to firetheir weapons to achieve the smallest collection of shots,termed a “group”. The smallest group was scored andcounted toward overall com-petition scores.

Teams were then requiredto complete a “Snap Shoot”,firing their weapons at shortexposure targets from diffe-rent firing positions.

Teams then moved on tothe Communications Standfor a series of tests on com-munication.

With two stands left to go,the penultimate was the Inci-dent Reaction Stand. Thiswas a simulated accident neara mock minefield. The teamshad to deal with the casual-ties created by the incidentand effect a casualty evacua-

tion using both helicopter and wheeled ambulance – underthe watchful eyes of the Force Medical Officer, a memberof the UN Flt and the Force Engineer.

The Senior Staff Group, who made a late-morningsortie over the course, was particularly impressed with theHollywood movie authenticity of the staged accident, inparticular the Oscar-worthy performance of the soldierplaying the “victim” in the minefield.

Finally, teams centralised at EXCON, where, after asafety brief, they set off on the obstacle course, a back-breaking circuit made all the more difficult and muddythanks to the rain which soaked spectators and compe-titors alike. The obstacle course was won by MFR in atime of nine minutes, 25 seconds, an impressive timeachieved through a supreme effort epitomising every-thingthat the exercise stands for.

The MFR always looked strong and were consideredby many as favourites (having “home” advantage), but theremainder never lost heart and gave 100% at all times. Thecompetition was very tight for second and third. Theplacings of the competition were:

MFR – FirstBRITCON 1 – SecondHQ UNFICYP – Third

All teams were impressive, but the most notabledisplays of courage and conviction came from the Hun-garian team from Sector 4 and the two South Americanteams of Sector One. All battled hard and never gave upor lost their sense of humour. Special mention should bemade of CESSAC’s Debbie Boardman, who joined “Dad’sArmy” (the HQ UNFICYP team) and helped them to arespectable fourth place.

The Force Commander gave a short congratulatoryspeech before presenting the prizes to the teams. Theprizes, which were kindly donated by SODEXHO,included: “Gerber” Tools for the winners, “Camelbacks”water carriers for those in second place and “MiniMaglite” torches for those placed third. In addition,framed certificates, signed by the Force Commander, werealso awarded. The winners also received the UNFICYPMilitary Skills presentation piece, which will soon beadorned with a plaque commemorating their effort andachievement.

The exercise was a success, doing exactly what thetitle, Unifying Challenge, implies. The competition testedthe metal of entrants, requiring them to display the highest

standards of teamwork andmilitary tradition, symbol-ising all the good the UnitedNations stands for. The dayended with a party in theInternational Cafeteria withbeverages kindly providedgratis through the generosityof Maj. Mike Waymouth andthe MFR.

The day was a success,thanks to the hard work andapplication of teams andstand staff. The nextUnifying Challenge isscheduled for late autumnafter the next troop rotation,when perhaps, even the UNFlight will enter a team.

By Maj. Chris Frazer

Winning MFR team

“Knees-up”

Push and Shove

Snap Shoot

“Tyre-sum!”

Rules of Engagement

Accident Reaction

“Dad’s Army”

Map Seating

May 2004 - The Blue Beret 76 May 2004 - The Blue Beret

UNFICYP’S Dutch UNCIV-POL Contingent joinedCyprus’s many Dutch resi-

dents in marking the anniversary ofQueen Beatrix of the Netherlands ata reception hosted by the Nether-lands Ambassador to Cyprus, Jhr.Mr. M.E.C. Gevers, at the LaikiSporting Club just outside Nicosiaon 5 May.

Inspired by the club’s magnificentswimming pool, the organisers ofthis year’s celebration invited a topDutch synchronized swimming teamto put on a display for the appre-ciative guests. Nine young Dutchwomen defied the coolness of theevening to put on two 15-minuteshows – “Synchro 2004: LookingBack and Ahead” – choreographedto popular and classical music.

It was appropriate that a teamfrom the land renowned for keepingthe sea at bay should show peoplefrom an island famous for its seabays the art of dancing on water.

WO3 Daniel Zelinsky hasbeen in the armed forcesfor 18 years. He is

married and has two daughters (15and 10 years old).

The Slovak peacekeeper is alsoa bona fide craftsman. He can useany available material for his crea-tions. Zelinsky started wood-carving at the age of six. Thequality of his wood statuettes is

such, that during hisfirst assignment in theservice, Daniel’s com-manding officer gave

him a small workshop to makesouvenirs and official gifts used byhis unit for presentations through-out Slovakia and abroad. Hiscarvings have even been exportedto the Netherlands and the USA.

The skillful hands of thisUNFICYP NCO are also capableof knitting sweaters, and makingcostumes for Slovakia’s Carnivalon Ice. Once, during night shift,

Zelinsky knitted asweater for hisdaughter.

Daniel has alsotried to make lace.One of his favouritedesigns is a Norwe-gian rose incorpora-ting 58 colours.

On completing histour with UNFICYP,Daniel plans to re-sign from the armedforces and dedicatehimself to restoringantiques in partner-

ship with the Dutch artist andcarpenter Franc de Brouk inBorne, Holland.

MSgt. Miroslav Dulaj is another creativemember of the Slovak Contingent. He is afolk musician and dancer.

At the age of 14, the current Logistics NCO ofSector 4 knew that he wanted to set off on a militarypath and joined the Military High School inSlovakia.

However precocious he was with his militaryskills, Miroslav was considered a late bloomer whenit came to music. At 18, he began playing the violin,ignoring discouraging opinions and proving that it isnever too late to take on a musical instrument.

Today, Miroslav can play the violin, the viola,contrabass, and a variety of pipes including the“Fujara” (the Slovak shepherd’s long pipe), allwithout being able to read music. He evenperformed a pipe solo with the Fujara in front of anaudience of over 5,000.

Miroslav is also a folk dancer and has performedwith a regional Slovak folk group in Austria, theCzech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Dancing on Water

Wedding bellspealed out onSunday 16 May

when UNFICYP’s mosteligible bachelor, KyriakosMichaelides from the EDPunit, married JoannaDemetriou at the church ofAyios Pavlos in Nicosia.

A wedding receptionfor well over 1,000 guestsfollowed, lasting late intothe night. The couple leftsoon after for a honey-moon in the Maldiveislands.

UNFICYP wishes thema happy life together.

Kyriakos takes the Plunge!

UN Flight Capts. Adrian Longo, RubenBoschi, and Fabricio Tejeda of Argentina,along with UNCIVPOL’s Supt. Sandy

Allan of Australia, said “hasta luego” to theirUNFICYP friends and colleagues. The cosy mug-out was held at the Officers’ Mess on 23 May.

For Capt. Tejeda, his stay in Cyprus was an un-forgettable experience. Capt. Longo expressedhis gratitude for all the friendship, support, and co-operation he found while working at UNFICYP.Still, he is overjoyed to return to his wife andchild. Capt. Boschi still can’t believe he had totravel so far to learn the tango!

Sandy, who is sad to leave Cyprus, consoledherself by arranging trips to Hungary, Switzer-land, Ireland, Belgium and UAE before returningto Australia. She delighted her fan club with anamusing farewell speech and gifts.

Four More “Muggings”

Defenders ofPeace and

Protectors ofSlovak Tradition

MSgt. Miroslav Dulaj in hisoffice (above) and playing

Slovak national music at theConference Culture Centre in

Nicosia on 31 May

Leathershoesandhat

Shepherd’sdish

Plaques ordered by theAustralian Police

8 9May 2004 - The Blue Beret May 2004 - The Blue Beret

The Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum collections are housed in two large rooms on theelevated ground floor of the Cultural Centre, displaying icons and other

religious artefacts in the Byzantine style.Cyprus is one of the first countries where Christianity was established, by

Saint Barnabas, a Jew from Salamis, in the year 45. The Cyprus Church gainedits autocephaly (self-governance) from the Byzantine Emperor Zeno in the 5th

century. When churches and monasteries were erected from the 4th centuryonwards, the faithful felt the need to have them decorated with mosaics, frescoesand icons representing stories from the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary andsaints. Icons (depictions of religious figures and symbols) must also have beencreated at the same time, but, painted on wood as they were, they perished faster.This explains why we have no icons that date from before the 8th century.

Minor changes in iconography occurred through the ages, due to influencesfrom foreign rulers and from within the Byzantine Empire, as well as fromexpelled Christians coming out of nearby countries such as Syria, Palestine andAsia Minor (Turkey). Byzantine painters kept to the rules set down in old texts,which aimed at portraying the spirituality of the subjects on the icon, rather thanfaithfully representing their human aspects. This is why, for example, emphasiswas given to “penetrating” eyes, austere faces and two-dimensional frontalfigures.

Byzantine painting is divided into five time periods: the Early Byzantineperiod (4th century-649, although almost nothing remains of this time); theperiod of Arab raids (649-965); the Middle Byzantine period (965-1191); theFrankish period (1192-1489) and Venetian period (1489-1571); and the Ottomanperiod (1571-1878).Room 1The oldest icon that survived on the island is displayed here: the “Virgin andChild” (No. 1), painted with the encaustic method (colours mixed with meltedwax). It belonged to the Phaneromeni Church of the Virgin in Nicosia. Near it, the “Enthroned Virgin and Child” (No. 6), is a 13th-century icon fromthe Saint Kassianos Church in Nicosia that was donated by the Carmelite monkswho are seen on the left-hand side of her throne. On either side of the Virgin aresmall scenes with subject matter drawn from Catholicism and bearing Latininscriptions.

“Saint Nicholas tis Steyis” (of the Roof) from Kakopetria (No. 7) is anothericon in the same style and probably a work by the same artist. The difference isthat in the Saint Nicholas icon, the small scenes figuring on the sides are in theOrthodox tradition and the inscriptions are in Greek. This shows that there couldbe mutual respect between Orthodox and Catholics.Room 2In the second room, seven 6th-century mosaics from the Virgin Kanankariachurch at Lythrangomi and 36 fragments of 15th-century frescoes from theChrist Antifonitis monastery at Kalogera show an impressive beauty, and anexcellent craftsmanship that is indicative of very high levels of artistic mastery.They have an unusual story to tell, in that they had been sold abroad, but wererepatriated after a successful court trial.

A semi-circular showcase in this three-part room exhibits chalices, salvers,bibles, flabella, encrusted orbs and sceptres, richly embroidered vestments and

other items repre-sentative of theCypriot minor arts.Also encounteredhere are more iconsand a number ofroyal or sanctuarydoors – the painteddoors that are fixedon the Iconostasis(the icon screenthat separates thenave of the churchfrom the holy ofholies).

Art GalleriesThe Art Galleries consist of four rooms containing, respectively: Cypriotpaintings (20th century); Greek paintings (19th and 20th centuries); Western-European paintings (15th to 19th centuries); and artefacts from Greece in the19th and 20th centuries.Room 1 - Cypriot Paintings of the 20th CenturyExhibited on the first floor of the gallery, Cypriot paintings in oil,watercolour, acrylic and other materials reflect various artistic currentsfrom the naive to the abstract. This is quite understandable, as the 20th

century saw many changes in style. Furthermore, a lack of art schools onthe island obliged future artists to study abroad, thus involving themselvesin experiences and traditions from all over the world. Their participationin international exhibitions gave their art appreciation and acclaim.

This room seems to travel back in time, to the old, blissful, quiet buthard times on the island. Beautiful landscapes and seascapes, pastoralscenes, and scenes of everyday rural activities – of earning a living ordancing at a village wedding – all help to depict what life was like then.

Of a more serious mood are some works of the second half of thecentury, which reflect the troubled events that occurred in Cyprus duringthis time.

Paintings by prominent artists such as Adamantios Diamantis,Telemachos Kanthos, Paul Georghiou, Michael Kashialos, LefterisEconomou, Stass Paraskos, Yorgos Skotinos, Loizos Serghiou, and by aplethora of younger-generation artists, enrich this gallery.Room 2 - Greek Paintings of the 19th and 20th CenturiesThe room of Greek paintings, which is on the second floor of the Gallery(above the previous room), is currently closed. When it is open, however,it shows the evolution of Greek artistic creation from the inception of themodern Greek state in 1830 to the present day.Room 3 - Western-European Paintings of the 15th to 19th CenturiesPaintings depicting biblical and mythological themes, portraits, and scenesfrom the Greek War of Independence constituted the private collection ofH.B. Archbishop Makarios III, acquired in 1963 and now found on the firstfloor of the gallery.

Five centuries of European paintings from the Late Renaissance to theRomantic period are represented by works from mainly the French and theItalian school, mostly painted by followers of several masters. Particularlyinteresting are the works that are registered by masters such as Sebastianodel Piombo, Francisco Vanni, Claude Lorrain, Tintoretto, Nicolas Poussin,Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingre, Theodore Gericault and EugeneDelacroix.Room 4 - Greece in the 19th and 20th CenturiesThis room of the second floor (above the room of Western-Europeanpaintings) displays maps, engravings and works by artists from France,Italy, Spain, England, Austria, Germany, Holland and Switzerland whowere romantically inspired by the Greeks fighting for their independencefrom the Ottoman Empire as well as by the beauty of Greek antiquity andmythology. Particularly inter-esting are numerous paintingsby the French artist PierreBonirote, depicting people innational costumes, dancing orotherwise engaged in everydaylife in front of ruined anti-quities.

A number of old maps ofGreece, Cyprus and otherMediterranean countries – plusengravings showing scenesfrom Greek political life,portraits of royalty and othereminent personalities, and his-torical monuments – are alsoexhibited here.

Inaugurated in 1982, theCultural Centre of theArchbishop Makarios IIIFoundation is adjacent tothe Archbishop’s Palacein Nicosia.It comprises among othersections the ByzantineMuseum, Art Galleriesand a Library.

Room 1: 119 – A. Diamantis

Room 1: P. Georghiou

Room 1: 77 – T. Kanthos

Room 1: 67 – Christ Pantocrator

Room 1: 7 – St. Nicholas

Room 1: 1 – Virgin and Child

Room 3: 105 – Th. GericaultRoom 4: P. Bolirote

Room 2: Virgin Kanakaria mosaics

10 11May 2004 - The Blue Beret May 2004 - The Blue Beret

The 40th UNCIVPOL medalparade was held on 31 May.Since UNCIVPOL has been

associated with the peacekeepingeffort from day one, the medal paradealso marked the 40th anniversary of itscontribution to the maintenance oflaw and order on the island. Throughthe years, UNCIVPOL’s presence hashelped infuse confidence duringturbulent periods. UNCIVPOL’stasks may have changed in the courseof time, but the thrust of its work –humanitarian assistance and policeliaison – continues to help bothcommunities.

Led by UNCIVPOL CommanderJohn McLoughlin some 31 policeofficers from Australia, India, Irelandand the Netherlands received theirmedals from UNFICYP Chief ofMission Zbigniew Wlosowicz andForce Commander Maj. Gen. HebertFigoli in front of an audience ofcolleagues and family members andhigh level representatives fromHungary, India, Ireland, Italy, theNetherlands, the Russian Federationand Slovakia. Representing the DutchPolice Forces were Brigadier JanWolf and Commissioner RoelofFaber.

In his remarks, the Chief of Missionnoted that the opening of the crossingslast year added significantly toUNFICYP’s responsibilities and theUNCIVPOL’s workload. This waswhy UNCIVPOL had been expandedwith the addition of Indian and Dutchpolice. This four-contingent medalparade was a welcome reminder of thediversity that makes the United Nationsa cherished and unique insti-tution, hesaid. He was happy to see that aftermany arduous practice sessions, theday’s medal recipients, resplendent inuniform, were also uniformly in step.

What the Chief of Mission didn’tknow was that the parade organisers,aware that the day had a double signifi-cance, had also rehearsed with theArgentinian Band a rousing chorus of“Happy Birthday to You”, in honour ofhis birthday.

Medal recipients and birthdaycelebrant were congratulated alike bythe large turnout at the receptionafterwards. From salad to curry, thevaried buffet was truly internationaland internationally appreciated. Onehighlight was the seal-like display ofhow to consume Dutch herring (seepicture right), put on by an obligingsenior visiting Dutch police official.

The Sector 2 medal parade was held on 6 May atLedra Palace. Members of 3rd Regiment RoyalHorse Artillery were presented with their UN

medals by the Force Commander, the British HighCommissioner and the Chief of Staff, UNFICYP.

Several days were spent rehearsing for the paradewhich featured the music of the Band of the Queen’sDivision.

A reception hosted by the Commander of the Britishcontingent, Col. I.R. Sinclair, CBE, was held after theparade and culminated with a display by the Corps ofDrums of the 1st Battalion the Queen’s LancashireRegiment.

Nicosia House, the home of Force Commander Maj.Gen. Hebert Figoli and his wife, Nelida EthelScarone Di Leone, and their son Pablo, was the

venue for Uruguayan Army Day celebrations on 18 May.Guests were warmly welcomed to a cocktail party

which included traditional delicacies and a variety ofUruguayan wines.

Later in the evening, an Argentinian musician enter-tained the audience with traditional and internationalsongs on his saxophone, whilst guests were served threedifferent types of cake – decorated with the Uruguayanand UNFICYP flags and the map of Cyprus.

HUNCON celebrated Hungarian Armed ForcesDay on 21 May. In honour of the occasion, theAmbassador of the Republic of Hungary, H.E.

Mr. János Kisfalvi, and the Defence, Military and AirAttaché, Lt.Col. József Bagi, hosted a reception at theEmbassy.

70 guests where present, including official digni-taries and 25 Hungarian soldiers from Sector 4.Ambassador Kisfalvi thanked the Hungarian soldiersfor their devotion to duty, and expressed his apprecia-tion for the excellent manner in which they have carriedout their tasks for UNFICYP.

Hungarian refreshments were then served includingdelicacies such as pork stew and stuffed cabbage,prepared by HUNCON’s Athienou chefs MSgt. SándorTóth and SSgt Gábor Turcsik, as well as the renownedHungarian wine, Bull’s Blood.

National Army Days

Sector 2 Medal Parade Four-ContingentUNCIVPOL

MedalParade

From the left: CO HUNCON, Lt. Col. Ferenc Korom,Lt. Szilvia Vizhanyo, SSgt. Nikoletta Molnar, the

Hungarian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. János Kisfalvi, and theDefence, Military and Air Attaché, Lt. Col. Jószef Bagi

Left: The Force Commanderchecking on the sweets for his guests

By Capt. David Pennial

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commis-sioner Shane Castles was among a party ofCIVPOL and official guests at a ceremony at

the Memorial Cairn to Sgt. Ian Donald Ward(AUSTCIVPOL). Sgt. Ward died near the locationon the Lefka Road in Sector 1 on 12 November1974 when his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine whilehe was transferring a group of Turkish Cypriots to asafe area.

The 13 May memorial service also rememberedthe other two Australian police officers killed inCyprus – Insp. Patrick Mark Hackett who died in amotor vehicle accident on 29 August 1971, and Sgt.Lewelyn John Thomas who died in a motor vehicleaccident on 26 July 1969.

The service was attended by the Force Commander,Maj. Gen. Hebert Figoli, the Commanding Officer Sector1, Lt. Col. Gustavo Motta, Australian High Commis-sioner Garth Hunt and members of the 77th, 78th and 79th

AUSTCIVPOL contingents and their families. The Australian High Commissioner, Force Comman-

der and Assistant Commissioner Castles laid wreaths. Following the memorial service, members returned to

the Blue Beret Camp at UNFICYP HQ for a light lunch.

During lunch, Sgt. Jennifer Graham and Sgt. StuartBurrows were presented with the Australian Governmentaward, the Police Overseas Service Medal (POSM), byA/C Castles. Sgt. Ian Hudson was presented with theCyprus clasp to the POSM.

A commemorative dinner followed that evening at aNicosia restaurant. Official guests included the AHC,UNFICYP Chief Admin Officer Frank Clancy, Spokes-man Brian Kelly, and Force Provost Marshal Maj. MickBottomley.

May 2004 - The Blue Beret 1312 May 2004 - The Blue Beret

ANZAC is the acronym for the Australian and NewZealand Army Corps, the formation created inDecember 1914 by grouping the Australian

Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Forcestationed in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant-General William Birdwood.

At dawn on 25 April 1915, the ANZACs and theirallies, British, French and Russian, landed on theGallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in a bid to secure the sea-lanes between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea – andforce Turkey out of the war.

Thousands of Australian and New Zealand men diedin the hours and days that followed the landing at thebeach, eventually renamed Anzac Cove by Turkey onAnzac Day, 1985, the 70th Anniversary of the landing.

The tradition of an ANZAC Day dawn service waslaunched in 1923 to commemorate and acknowledge thesacrifices made by Australians and New Zealandersduring times of war. In addition to being about the spiritof ANZAC, we also pause to recall the deeds, and honourthe memory of people of all nations, who gave their livesin the pursuit of the freedom we enjoy today.

This year, as dawn broke on 25 April, the AustralianPolice component of UNCIVPOL maintained thecommemorative tradition with a dawn service at Wayne’sKeep Cemetery, Nicosia.

AUSTCIVPOL family members and a New Zealanderparticipated. In reading “In Flanders Fields”, KevinSmall (15 years of age) reminded us that many of thosewho died were not much older than him. In reading“Binyon’s Lines”, Katharine Robinson (10 years of age)reminded us that the “ultimate sacrifice” ensured freedomand a better life for our children, and that if the young donot remember the past, they are destined to repeat it. Thelaying of a bouquet of flowers by Bridget Robinson (sixyears of age) reminded us that the innocent too arecasualties of war.

Readings by Sgt. Linda Nixon (ANZAC Dedication),Supt. Sandy Allan (Kemal Ataturk’s dedication to theMothers of the Fallen), and Supt. Ronald “Robbie”Robinson (Anzac Story) ensured a solemnity worthy ofany dawn service.

The Australian High Commissioner, the New ZealandHonorary Consul, the British High Commissioner, the

UNFICYP Chief of Mission and Force Commander andthe AUSTCIVPOL Commander laid wreaths on thecenotaph. Bouquets of flowers were laid on the graves ofAustralians and New Zealanders interned in the cemeteryby Mrs. Rose Clarkson, Mrs. Jan Clarke, Mrs. LenaMcLoughlin and Sgt. Jennifer Graham – a humblingreminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We are grateful to all those who helped us makeANZAC Day a memorable one. In particular, the officersand soldiers of the Royal Horse Artillery at YpenburgSector 2 West, the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Band, UNCommunications and Mrs. Rose Clarkson who providedthe best Anzac biscuits ever for the gunfire breakfast,which followed the service back at the InternationalCafeteria.

Early morning, on May 14th, Camp “AdmiralBrown”, (Argentine Navy Marines Base)received the CO ARGCON, Lt. Col. Gustavo

Jorge Luis Motta, UNCIVPOL officers and personnelfrom the different countries working in Sector 1, tocommemorate the Argentine Navy Day.

The ceremony began with the presentation of thetroops to Lt. Col. Motta, CO Sector 1, accompanied byLt. Cdr. Héctor Gerardo Gamba, the Senior Navyofficer in Cyprus.

Lt. Fernando Perez Kühn then gave a speechstressing the significance of May 14th, 1814, a day thatmarked the victory of the young Argentine Navy overthe Spanish fleet based in Montevideo, then a Spanishfortress designed to contain the efforts of the SouthAmerican countries in their struggle for independence.

In addition to describing the actual battle, Lt. Kühnalso spoke of the significant contribution it made to therevolutionary cause. He also pointed out how “the Navytoday honours its heroes, whose acts have become abeacon marking the style and attitude required to face theuncertain challenges of the future”.

“The Argentine Navy, since the early days of ournation, is profoundly committed for the freedom andsovereign dignity of the people”, he concluded.

After the Chaplain said a prayer, Lt. Col. Motta notedhow “for more than 10 years, 14,000 km away from ourcountry, the Navy has brought professionalism and dedi-cation to this Task Force of people from different forces,different countries, and different cultures, all workingtogether for the peace in Cyprus”.

A traditional breakfast was served after the ceremony.

ANZAC Day 2004Celebrating Argentine Navy Day

Doing Honour

On Saturday 22 May, welearned, with deep regret and

sadness. that our friend and formercolleague Sally Kyriakides haspassed away.

Sally availed of early retirementfrom United Nations, due to illhealth, on 31 March 2004.

Sally was one of those personswho was respected by all. She main-tained excellent relations with thoseshe came in contact with. Sally wasa person who always looked to thegood points of people and had thepleasant knack of ignoring their“other” points. Always pleasant and

cheerful, she carried those attributesinto each office as she discussedbusiness matters.

Sally’s love of animals made herlegendary. Her daily arrival wasannounced by the gathering of catsoutside her office building, know-ing that when her vehicle arrived(and they knew it by the purr of itsengine!), breakfast would be served.

Sally has departed but she willalways be remembered and missedby those who had the privilege ofknowing and working with her.

Our sympathy is extended to herhusband George and son Alexis.

BRITCON Padre Lee Gandiya conducting the service

Traditional ANZAC day game of “Two-Up”

Sally Kyriakides

14 May 2004 - The Blue Beret 15May 2004 - The Blue Beret

The Force Commander, Maj Gen Hebert Figoli,arrived at Camp San Martin’s heliport on 4 Mayfor a two-day visit to Sector 1. The aim of his

visit was to share a complete day with the multi-national forces composing ARGCON, and observetheir day-to-day duties.

During his visit, the Force Commander wasaccompanied by the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr.Frank Clancy, and the Military Assistant to ForceCommander, Comdt. Terence Canton. Lt. Col.Gustavo Jorge Luis Motta, Commanding Officer ofARGCON, welcomed the group.

After the parade in his honour, the ForceCommander was flown to OP 02, at Kokkina pocket,and later to OP 08, where he was given briefings ofeach area and the work carried out in both locations.

He also took the opportunity to pay a visit to KatoPyrgos town and its inhabitants.

Gen. Figoli then visited Camp “Roca” and parti-cipated in different training activities, includingcartography and MEDEVAC exercises.

Back in Camp San Martin, during the afternoon heparticipated in a soccer game, before becoming thefirst swimmer of the season to use the Camp’s pool!

In the evening, he partook of a typicalArgentinian barbecue and later on the birthday cele-bration of a Paraguayan NCO, an event “spiced”with South American music played by members ofthe band.

The following morning, he joined the daily flagceremony. Afterwards, he participated in a drivingtest and crowd control exercise executed by membersof Bravo Coy.

Maj. Gen. Figoli then paid a visit to Camp“Admiral Brown”, where he was briefed beforeinspecting the Astromeritis crossing point. Back atthe Camp, he observed another crowd control exer-cise, in this case involving use of the MFR’s Tacticavehicles.

During his visit, the Force Commander not only“enjoyed” the daily routine at the different camps andOPs, but he also had a first-hand impression of thecommon work done by members of the seven nationsforming part of the ARGCON.

At the end of his visit, Maj. Gen. Figoli addressedthe soldiers, stating his appreciation of the smoothintegration achieved at every level, and recognising“the daily effort towards serving peace in Cyprus”.

Visit of Force Commander to Sector 14-5 May 2004

UNFICYP Force Photographer MSgt.Martin Mruz was invited off-base for awelcome break from covering medalparades.Like many on the island in the merrymonth of May, he got to see the annualRed Arrows display at the RAF base inAkrotiri.

UNFICYP’s Maj. LudovitGallik was in Akrotiri to

watch the Red Arrows AirDisplay this month. As an ex-fighter pilot with 12 yearsexperience in the Slovak AirForce, he gave the Blue Beretthis insight into what makes theshow so special.

“First of all, it was very pro-fessional work. The audience isnot aware of all the conditionsthat have to be considered.Wind direction and speed, thesun’s position, and the pilot’spersonal condition are amongthe many elements that canaffect the performane.

“The pilots have to makesmall but vital decisions on howto continue in order to meet thehighest level of performanceevery time. If the execution ofmanoeuvres is not precise

enough, it has to be correctedwithin a short period of time.Any mistake can be life-threatening for the pilot and forthe public watching below.Precision is vital from take-offto landing.”

The same weekend, ourtireless Force Photographerwas off to the races, thistime getting himself a goodposition to record a stage ofthe Cyprus Rally.