The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus marked International Day of Peace yesterday with a special  candle light  vigil at Ledra Palace in the UN buffer zone. The ceremony was attended by veterans from Cyprus’ World War II Association, youth representatives from both Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities, UNFICYP’s Senior Adviser, Lynn Hastings, Sector 2 Commanding Officer, Col. Richard Walker, UNFICYP Spokesperson, Aleem Siddique and Sector 2 peacekeepers from UNFICYP’s 36 Engineers contingent. Speaking at the event, General Secretary of the Cyprus Veterans’ Association, Mr. Nicos Christolides said “This day is a constant remembrance of the need to respect and protect peace for all people in the world. We, the Cypriot Veterans, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are very proud that we joined the millions of people who fought on the Allied side in order to safeguard world peace and prosperity for future generations. We will never stop defending peace and justice and do our share in order to endorse ” UNFICYP Spokesperson, Mr. Aleem Siddique said ”Today is an opportunity to reiterate our unwavering belief in non-violence, to call for a global ceasefire and remember those who need peace the most. Let us send them a message of hope that they are not alone. Let us take counsel from the wisdom of our veterans. And let our presence here this evening serve as a rededication to the cause of peace.” Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. End.