Force Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Major General Cheryl Pearce on 23 June presided over a Medal Presentation ceremony for UNFICYP Headquarters Summer Medal Parade in Cyprus. Held at the UN Protected Area within the buffer zone, the event saw 13 military officers of headquarters from 7 contingents awarded medals in the service of peace. 

Speaking at the event, Force Commander said “You play a vital role in executing UNFICYP’s mandate in Cyprus and to each of you, I honor and value your contribution to peace and stability in Cyprus. It’s a special day for the deserving officers who receive their medals today and these have been unprecedented challenges you have faced in carrying out your duties, during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This year’s Summer Medal Parade marks the 56^th year of Peace Keeping Operations in Cyprus; more than 150,000 blue berets have received their UNFICYP medal since it was introduced in 1964 to recognize a minimum of 90 consecutive day’s duty on operations in Cyprus. UN peacekeepers from Australia, Argentina, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and the UK were awarded medals at today’s ceremony.