2 March 2017 - UN peacekeepers from UNFICYP Sector 2’s 4 LANCS were honored for their service to the cause of peace in Cyprus at a Medal Parade held at Ledra Palace Hotel on 2 March 2017. 

The outgoing contingent, drawn from the 4th Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment – the “Lions of England” – comprises an almost even number of army reservists and regular infantry troops, and has served since September 2016. 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir presided over the event. Also in attendance were British High Commissioner to Cyprus (UK in Cyprus - British High Commission Nicosia), Mr. Matthew Kidd, and UNFICYP Chief-of-Staff, Col. Tim Wildish. Speaking at the ceremony, SRSG Elizabeth Spehar said: 

“Occasions like this one punctuate our time here regularly, and it is always moving to see all the men and women of the contingent, united in support of the cause of peace, stability and a just settlement in Cyprus.” 

“To our Sector Two troops, when you look at the medal in years to come, the two narrow dark blue lines that border the white band should remind you of your time in the Med serving for peace. Congratulations on a job well done!” 

Sector Two is the responsibility of the British Contingent, and has been since 1993 when the Canadian Contingent withdrew its major unit from UNFICYP. 

The responsibility of the unit is to patrol and monitor military activity over 30 kilometers along the buffer zone, beginning at the east end of Mammari village and ending at the village of Kaimakli to the east of Nicosia. The British Contingent also provides personnel to UNFICYP’s Mobile Force