UNFICYP held a flag-raising ceremony for Finland this morning, an event that was dedicated to pay tribute to the country’s dedication and commitment to furthering the cause of peace in Cyprus. 

The Finnish Ambassador Harri Mäki-Reinikka was present, along with senior UNFICYP officials, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of Mission, Elizabeth Spehar and Deputy Senior Police Advisor Jarlath Duffy. Two newly arrived Finnish UNPOL Officers, Tytti Tammi and Jan Erik Martin were also in attendance.

“I am happy to see gender parity in this recent arrival. It shows Finland's commitment to the UN's goal to increase the number of women in peacekeeping operations,” stated Spehar.

This is the first time Finland has deployed UNPOL Officers to UNFICYP. Finland has contributed troops to UNFICYP since 1964, when the Canadian and British contingents were deployed to the Mission followed by Finnish, Irish and Swedish contingents. 

From 1964 to 1977, UNFICYP had a Finnish military with a strength of more than 1,000 peacekeepers. While the number of Finnish peacekeepers reduced in 1977, the country’s military continued to be deployed to UNFICYP until 2005. 

“It’s an honour to represent the Finnish Police for the first time in UNFICYP,” said Sargent Tytti Tammi, who has been recently deployed as a Patrol Officer. 

Approximately 10,000 Finnish peacekeepers have served in UNFICYP since 1964.