NICOSIA, 31 March 2017 - One of UNFICYP’s key roles is to resolve incidents in the buffer zone at the lowest level through negotiation; liaison officers, whose main goal is to establish and maintain good relationships with their counterparts to solve the incidents by peaceful means, are among the most important elements for the successful execution of this role. As such, with every new troop rotation, thorough training for Military Observer and Liaison Officers (MOLO) and Sector Civil Affairs and Military Liaison Officers (SCAMLO) is critical. 

This year, UNFICYP HQ organized the MOLO/SCAMLO training course at the UNPA between 28 and 30 March. The aim of the course was to make them aware of the political, operational and legal framework in which they will operate, to familiarize them with their daily duties and to provide guidance on how to resolve possible issues to de-escalate potentially difficult situations in the most suitable manner. 

The course includes practical scenarios as well as theoretical lessons. The aim of this exercise was to give the officers practice in responding to incidents they may encounter during their UNFICYP tour. It included simulation exercises featuring officers taking on roles as police, hunters, military forces, UNPOL, etc... 

All officers successfully accomplished the course and received their certificates from the Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, at UNFICYP HQ on 30 March; the Force Commander expressed his appreciation for the excellent work the course organizers had done. 

Many thanks to HQ MOLO officers Lt. Col. Andreas Duerr and Lt. Col. Andrej Cucvara, who, supported by the MOLOs and SCAMLOs from the Sectors, executed an excellent course.