The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ms. Lisa Buttenheim, on 6 May presided over the last UNPOL Medal Parade under her tenure as Head of UNFICYP.

Held at the UN Protected Area within the buffer zone, the event saw 16 members from seven contingents awarded medals in the service of peace.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Buttenheim expressed her appreciation for the work of UNPOL, particularly thanking UNFICYP’s Senior Police Adviser, Col. Andrii Sachavo of the Ukraine, for his leadership and excellent cooperation within the mission.

Following opening remarks by Superintendent Fergus Dwyer of Ireland, the national anthems of the medal recipients – Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, Lithuania, Romania, the Slovak Republic and the Ukraine – were played, followed by speeches from Col. Sachavo, who praised the work of the UNPOL medal recipients and specially thanked Ms. Buttenheim for her support top UNPOL over the years, and Ms. Buttenheim, who went on to present the medals on behalf of the UN Secretary-General. The event was followed by a lively reception at the UNPOL Club.