Dear colleagues and friends,

At this time of year, we traditionally pause to reflecton the twelve months that have passed, and on thetwelve that are to come. As we approach 2002,there is much that fills me with hope.

It is your work in UNFICYP that particularlyleaves me spirited and optimistic about the future.That you are far away from your families and theplaces you call home is constantly on my mind.Despite this privation, you carry out your duties onthe island with commitment and professionalism.Each day, you demonstrate a dedication to themission, to the people of the island, and indeed tothe service of peace worldwide. I am indeedfortunate to be amongst you.

It is this unwavering commitment to peace thatthe Nobel Committee recognized when theyawarded the Peace Prize this year to the UnitedNations and to our Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.It is your hard work and dedication that the PeacePrize celebrates, and each of you -- whether you areworking in the military, administrative or politicalfields -- should feel very much a part of our UnitedNations family on this deeply significant occasion.

Whether you are monitoring a UN checkpoint,working on a bicommunal activity such as UN Dayor helping to organize the restoration of the old citywall, you contribute to an atmosphere that fosterspeace. You know that efforts toward peace dependon building trust and confidence - between theisland’s communities and the UN, and indeedamongst themselves. I have seen for myself on somany occasions how you do everything possible toachieve this for Cyprus.

As we celebrate our traditional festivities, Iwould like to thank you for all that you have donethis past year, and for all that I know you willcontinue to achieve in 2002. Your efforts arevalued, and appreciated. For every member of theUnited Nations in Cyprus, and your families andloved ones, I wish you seasons greetings, and theprospect of a new year of peace and prosperity.

Se

aso

ns

Gre

eti

ng

s fr

om

th

e C

hie

f o

f M

issi

on

TH

EB

LUE

BER

ET

Th

e m

ag

azi

ne

fo

r U

NFI

CY

P’s

civ

ilia

n, m

ilit

ary

an

d p

oli

ce

pe

rso

nn

el

2

Front Cover: The Two Leaders Meet

Contents

Our UNFICYPPadres

December 2001 - The Blue Beret December 2001 - The Blue Beret 3

Published monthly by the PublicInformation Office of the UnitedNations Force in Cyprus, HQUNFICYP, PO Box 21642, Nicosia,Cyprus.

Tel: (02) 864550/864416/864408Fax: (02) 864461E-mail: blueberetcyprus@hotmail.com

Web site: www.unficyp.org

Editorial TeamBrian Kelly

Maj. Dezső Kiss

Miriam Taylor

PhotographyMSgt. Michal Zurbola

Contingent Photographers

Unit Press Officers

Sector 1 Capt. Miguel del Castillo

Sector 2 Capt. Lou Burt

Sector 4 Lt. Luboš Klíma

UNCIVPOL Garda Martin Hennigan

Supt. Peter Holder

HQ UNFICYP WO2 Dusty Miller

UN Flt Capt. Fernando Valentich

MFR Capt. Pablo Petrocelli

FMPU Capt. Keith Scott

The Blue Beret is the in-house journalof the United Nations PeacekeepingForce in Cyprus. The views expressedare those of the authors concerned,and do not necessarily conform withofficial policy.

Articles of general interest are invitedfrom all members of the Force.Photographs, together with captions,should accompany the articles.

The copyright of all material in thisjournal is vested in United NationsPublications. Any article or illus-tration may be reproduced with thewritten permission of the Editor.

’

UNFICYP Seasons Greetings 2001

For the Padres serving with UNFICYP contingents,December can be a busy but joyful time of year.The role of Padre within a contingent is, however,

an essential, year-round tasking, as they visit the troopswithin their sectors, provide pastoral care and counsellingto those in need, and conduct religious services.

For Sector 2 Padre James Aitchison, who has alsoserved in Berlin and Northern Ireland, his role here inCyprus is much as it would be at home. “Ministryinvolves helping people and ministering to themwherever they be, and human nature changes littleregardless of location,” he explains.

In Sector 1, Padre Eduardo Castellanos (whoseexperience includes Kuwait) agrees. The only differencein being a Padre overseas, he says, is that the distancefrom loved ones means that the soldiers may need morespiritual support. “Here I can see to the man as real as heis, without shields or masks,” he comments. “That helpsa lot in my tasks.”

Sector 4’s Padre, the Rev. Father Miloš Krchnavý, hasalso seen how people can be more tuned to spiritual needsbecause they’re away from their loved ones, and facingnew cultural experiences. He finds that he can help byexplaining differences between religions and historicalbackgrounds.

Homesickness and relationship difficulties arecommon problems that the padres encounter amongcontingent soldiers -- sometimes, a sympathetic ear is allthat’s needed; at other times, counselling can help. Forthe Padres, who felt God’s calling in their decisions to

join both military and religious life, the opportunity tohelp the soldiers is key to their time in Cyprus. And theyalso appreciate the chance to experience the differentcultures here on the island, and indeed within theUNFICYP family.

We wish them all a very Happy Christmas, and thankthem for their support to UNFICYP soldiers throughoutthe year.

You will have heard people say:“Christmas is a time for parties,”well, yes, of course it is, but does thatmean that those who are not in afamily can forget about Christmas?Does it hold no significance for theperson who is all alone at Christmas?No, of course not! Christ came to thisworld for everyone, whether theyhave a family or not; whether theyhave a whole host of people around totheir house, or whether they arestanding watch alone in anObservation Post.

The strange thing about Christmasis that though so much happiness isbeing spread around, there are thosefor whom the sense of loneliness anddespair feels all the more acute.Please, remember this: the fact thatGod came in Christ to this worldproves that he loves you, cares foryou and is waiting for you to call onHim. So, whoever you are, andwherever you are, this Christmas saythat prayer you have intended to say.Ask God to be with those you loveand then ask Him to be with you.

The Lord bless you, AyePadre Aitchison, Sector 2

En esta fiesta de la natividad deNuestro Seńor Jesucristo,Seńor de todo lo creado,momento trascendente en lahistoria de la salvación, quierohacerles llegar este mensaje depaz y alegría espiritual.Algunos se preguntarán comoes posible estar alegresseparados y tan lejos denuestros seres queridos. Perono debemos olvidar que esaseparación es solo física ytemporaria, porque nuestroespíritu, mente y corazón, estánunidos íntimamente a nuestrasfamilias.

Este día Dios nos regalará lagracia de sentirnos cerca de losnuestros, tan cerca que hastapodremos sentirlos y escuchar-los cuando nos digan: “FelizNavidad, te queremos mucho yno te desanimes porque de tutrabajo depende que la Navidadpara otros, también sea Feliz”.

Que Dios nos bendiga enestas fiestas navideńas.

Padre Eduardo CastellanosCapellán FTA 18, Sector 1

Milí priateliaTento rok budú vianoce pre

mnohých z nás zvláštne. Sme ďalekood svojich milých, sme v krajine, ktorámá inú klímu než je tá naša, sme v inejkultúre, ktorá vníma vianoce ináč. Jeto určite velká zmena pre nás všetkýcha musím povedať, že aj veľmizaujímavá.

Vďaka tejto zmene môžeme vidieťaj vianoce ináč, reálnejšie. Nevidímesice nič z toho, na čo sme domazvyknutí a povedzme si úprimne a načo si tak velmi potrpíme, ked hovo-ríme u nás o Vianociach. Stromček,najlepšie jedlička, sneh, sviečky,bohatý stôl, kapor, koledy a možnoešte niekoľko ďalších, zväčša senti-mentálnych vecí, ktoré sú tak ďalekood reality Blízskeho Východu, kde saKristus skutočne narodil.

Dotknutý touto realitou BlízkehoVýchodu a možnosťou vidieť vianocereálnejšie, chcem Vám všetkýmpopriať krásne, radostiplné a duchov-né vianoce. Nech Vám všetkýmblízkosť kultúry Sv. Zeme, ktorúmôžeme zažiť tu na Cypre prinesienový pohlad aj na tieto krásne kres-ťanské sviatky.

Miloš Krchňavý, Chaplain Sector 4

Christmas Messages from the UNFICYP Padres

From the left: Rev. Father Krchnavý (Sector 4),Padre Aitchison (Sector 2) andPadre Castellanos (Sector 1)

Editorial/Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Our UNFICYP Padres/

Christmas Messages from theUNFICYP Padres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Celebrating the Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/5The Secretary-General:

The Nobel Lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/7From The Outside Looking On . . . . . . . . .8/9Maj. Gen. Rana Departs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1032nd Regiment Royal Artillery . . . . . . . . . .11Sector 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Sector 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13A Little Snow Pleeezzze/

Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14FINCON Celebrates/12 SU Walkdown/

The Globe Trotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Maj. Gen. Rana Departs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

4

Celebrating the Season

December 2001 - The Blue Beret 5

This time of year is rich in festivals andholy days for cultures around theworld. Here, we recognize some of the

celebrations, and their origins.

ChristmasComing from the words “Christ’s Mass” (Cristes Maesse),Christmas is the day that many Christians celebrate thebirth of Jesus: 25 December. It was first celebrated inRome in 336 A.D., and was designed to coincide with --and replace -- the popular pagan celebration of Saturnalia,which recognizes the winter solstice. The tradition ofgift-giving begins with the Wise Men, who brought theinfant Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and isreinforced by Saint Nicholas, who gave gifts to the poorand to children.

The Feast of Saint NicholasSaint Nicholas was a fourth-century saint wholived in Myra, in what is now Turkey. He wasknown for his humility and his generosity, and isoften associated with helping children. His FeastDay is celebrated on 6 December, when, inHolland, children receive presents from“Sinterklass”.

EpiphanyAlso known as the Twelfth Day and TheAdoration of the Magi, Epiphany is 6 January:the day that the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehemand saw Jesus, and also the date that John theBaptist later baptized Jesus. The EasternOrthodox Church recognizes 6 January as thecelebration of Jesus’ nativity. Other traditionsinclude that of Austria’s Star Singers: betweenNew Year’s Day and Epiphany, children dress asthe Wise Men and carol from door to door,collecting sweets or money for charity.

Hanukah (or Chanukká)This Jewish festival celebrates faith, and beginson the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, whichusually falls in December. The traditional storyexplains that when a small army of Jews was ableto regain their Temple in Jerusalem after sevenyears of fighting in the 2nd century B.C., theyfound only enough lamp oil to last for onenight…yet the oil miraculously lasted for eightnights, allowing fresh oil to be found. Hanukkahthus lasts for eight days, with a new candle beinglit each night on the menorah, which holds eightcandles plus a “helper” candle.

RamadanThe ninth month of the Muslim calendar,Ramadan is when the Holy Quran is believed tohave been sent down from heaven. A time offaith, contemplation and worship, it is also a timeof daylight fasting, of prayer, and of visitingfriends and family. The word Ramadan recallsthe heating sensation in the stomach as a result ofthirst, and it is also thought that Ramadanscorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sunburns the ground. When Ramadan ends, a three-day holiday called Eidul-Fitr, the fast breakingfeast, features gifts, family gatherings, andprayer. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendarof 252-3 days per year, and the month ofRamadam shifts every year by approximately 13days.

KwanzaaFirst celebrated 26 December 1966, Kwanzaa began as anAfrican-American cultural holiday, and is now celebratedby many of African descent around the world. It lastsfrom 26 December to 1 January, with each dayrecognising one of seven key principles, includingremembrance and rejuvenation. Founded by Dr. MaulanaRon Karenga, Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrasethat means “first fruits”, and is linked to the first harvestcelebrations that take place in many places in Africa: it isa time of unity, contemplation and joy.

Pongal/ShankarantiThe popular Hindu harvest festival, known as Pongal inIndia’s south and Shankaranti in the north, falls in themiddle of January. The day marks the beginning of thesun’s northern course in the heavens, resulting in longerdays, with the sunshine symbolising life’s brighteraspects. Festivities feature thanksgiving to the Gods andsharing a sense of happiness and well-being with familyand friends. Thus, most southern households cook asweet rice preparation in milk (the boiled milk shouldoverflow, signifying good fortune and prosperity) to beshared with friends and relatives. Similarly, sweetmeatsare exchanged in the north. Farmers also decorate theircattle and offer thanks to them for their labour.

December 2001 - The Blue Beret

6 December 2001 - The Blue Beret

Today, in Afghanistan, a girl will be born. Her motherwill hold her and feed her, comfort her and care forher just as any mother would anywhere in the world.

In these most basic acts of human nature, humanity knowsno divisions. But to be born a girl in today’s Afghanistan isto begin life centuries away from the prosperity that onesmall part of humanity has achieved. It is to live underconditions that many of us in this hall would considerinhuman. Truly, it is as if it were a tale of two planets.

I speak of a girl in Afghanistan, but I might equally wellhave mentioned a baby boy or girl in Sierra Leone. No onetoday is unaware of this divide between the world’s rich andpoor. No one today can claim ignorance of the cost that thisdivide imposes on the poor and dispossessed who are no lessdeserving of human dignity, fundamental freedoms,security, food and education than any of us. The cost,however, is not borne by them alone. Ultimately, it is borneby all of us – North and South, rich and poor, men andwomen of all races and religions.

Today’s real borders are not between nations, butbetween powerful and powerless, free and fettered,privileged and humiliated. Today, no walls can separatehumanitarian or human rights crises in one part of the worldfrom national security crises in another.

Scientists tell us that the world of nature is so small andinterdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in theAmazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the otherside of the earth. This principle is known as the “ButterflyEffect.” Today, we realize, perhaps more than ever, that theworld of human activity also has its own “Butterfly Effect”– for better or for worse.

We have entered the third millennium through a gate offire. If today, after the horror of 11 September, we seebetter, and we see further – we will realize that humanity isindivisible. New threats make no distinction betweenraces, nations or regions. A new insecurity has enteredevery mind, regardless of wealth or status. A deeperawareness of the bonds that bind us all – in pain as inprosperity – has gripped young and old.

In the early beginnings of the twenty-first century – acentury already violently disabused of any hopes thatprogress towards global peace and prosperity is inevitable –this new reality can no longer be ignored. It must beconfronted.

The twentieth century was perhaps the deadliest inhuman history, devastated by innumerable conflicts, untoldsuffering, and unimaginable crimes. Time after time, agroup or a nation inflicted extreme violence on another,often driven by irrational hatred and suspicion, orunbounded arrogance and thirst for power and resources.In response to these cataclysms, the leaders of the worldcame together at mid-century to unite the nations as neverbefore.

A forum was created – the United Nations – where allnations could join forces to affirm the dignity and worth ofevery person, and to secure peace and development for allpeoples. Here States could unite to strengthen the rule oflaw, recognize and address the needs of the poor, restrainman’s brutality and greed, conserve the resources andbeauty of nature, sustain the equal rights of men andwomen, and provide for the safety of future generations.

We thus inherit from the twentieth century the political,as well as the scientific and technological power, which – ifonly we have the will to use them – give us the chance tovanquish poverty, ignorance and disease.

In the twenty-first century I believe the mission of the

United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound,awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life,regardless of race or religion. This will require us to lookbeyond the framework of States, and beneath the surface ofnations or communities. We must focus, as never before,on improving the conditions of the individual men andwomen who give the State or nation its richness andcharacter. We must begin with the young Afghan girl,recognizing that saving that one life is to save humanityitself.

Over the past five years, I have often recalled that theUnited Nations’ Charter begins with the words: “We thepeoples.” What is not always recognized is that “We thepeoples” are made up of individuals whose claims to themost fundamental rights have too often been sacrificed inthe supposed interests of the State or the nation.

A genocide begins with the killing of one man – not forwhat he has done, but because of who he is. A campaign of‘ethnic cleansing’ begins with one neighbour turning onanother. Poverty begins when even one child is denied hisor her fundamental right to education. What begins withthe failure to uphold the dignity of one life, all too oftenends with a calamity for entire nations.

In this new century, we must start from theunderstanding that peace belongs not only to States orpeoples, but to each and every member of those commu-nities. The sovereignty of States must no longer be used asa shield for gross violations of human rights. Peace mustbe made real and tangible in the daily existence of everyindividual in need. Peace must be sought, above all,because it is the condition for every member of the humanfamily to live a life of dignity and security.

The rights of the individual are of no less importance toimmigrants and minorities in Europe and the Americas thanto women in Afghanistan or children in Africa. They are asfundamental to the poor as to the rich; they are as necessaryto the security of the developed world as to that of thedeveloping world.

From this vision of the role of the United Nations in thenext century flow three key priorities for the future:eradicating poverty, preventing conflict, and promotingdemocracy. Only in a world that is rid of poverty can allmen and women make the most of their abilities. Onlywhere individual rights are respected can differences bechannelled politically and resolved peacefully. Only in ademocratic environment, based on respect for diversity anddialogue, can individual self-expression and self-government be secured, and freedom of association beupheld.

Throughout my term as Secretary-General, I have soughtto place human beings at the centre of everything we do –from conflict prevention to development to human rights.Securing real and lasting improvement in the lives ofindividual men and women is the measure of all we do at theUnited Nations.

It is in this spirit that I humbly accept the CentennialNobel Peace Prize. Forty years ago today, the Prize for1961 was awarded for the first time to a Secretary-Generalof the United Nations – posthumously, because DagHammarskjöld had already given his life for peace inCentral Africa. And on the same day, the Prize for 1960was awarded for the first time to an African – AlbertLuthuli, one of the earliest leaders of the struggle againstapartheid in South Africa. For me, as a young Africanbeginning his career in the United Nations a few monthslater, those two men set a standard that I have sought to

follow throughout my working life. This award belongs not just to me. I do not stand here

alone. On behalf of all my colleagues in every part of theUnited Nations, in every corner of the globe, who havedevoted their lives – and in many instances risked or giventheir lives in the cause of peace – I thank the Members of theNobel Committee for this high honour. My own path toservice at the United Nations was made possible by thesacrifice and commitment of my family and many friendsfrom all continents – some of whom have passed away –who taught me and guided me. To them, I offer my mostprofound gratitude.

In a world filled with weapons of war and all too oftenwords of war, the Nobel Committee has become a vitalagent for peace. Sadly, a prize for peace is a rarity in thisworld. Most nations have monuments or memorials to war,bronze salutations to heroic battles, archways of triumph.But peace has no parade, no pantheon of victory.

What it does have is the Nobel Prize – a statement ofhope and courage with unique resonance and authority.Only by understanding and addressing the needs ofindividuals for peace, for dignity, and for security can we atthe United Nations hope to live up to the honour conferredtoday, and fulfil the vision of our founders. This is thebroad mission of peace that United Nations staff memberscarry out every day in every part of the world.

A few of them, women and men, are with us in this halltoday. Among them, for instance, are a Military Observerfrom Senegal who is helping to provide basic security in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo; a Civilian PoliceAdviser from the United States who is helping to improvethe rule of law in Kosovo; a UNICEF Child ProtectionOfficer from Ecuador who is helping to secure the rights ofColombia’s most vulnerable citizens; and a World FoodProgramme Officer from China who is helping to feed thepeople of North Korea.

The idea that there is one people in possession of thetruth, one answer to the world’s ills, or one solution tohumanity’s needs, has done untold harm throughout history– especially in the last century. Today, however, evenamidst continuing ethnic conflict around the world, there isa growing understanding that human diversity is both thereality that makes dialogue necessary, and the very basis forthat dialogue.

We understand, as never before, that each of us is fullyworthy of the respect and dignity essential to our commonhumanity. We recognize that we are the products of manycultures, traditions and memories; that mutual respectallows us to study and learn from other cultures; and that wegain strength by combining the foreign with the familiar.

In every great faith and tradition one can find the valuesof tolerance and mutual understanding. The Qur’an, forexample, tells us that “We created you from a single pair ofmale and female and made you into nations and tribes, thatyou may know each other.” Confucius urged his followers:“when the good way prevails in the State, speak boldly andact boldly. When the State has lost the way, act boldly andspeak softly.” In the Jewish tradition, the injunction to“love thy neighbour as thyself,” is considered to be the veryessence of the Torah.

This thought is reflected in the Christian Gospel, whichalso teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those whowish to persecute us. Hindus are taught that “truth is one,the sages give it various names.” And in the Buddhisttradition, individuals are urged to act with compassion inevery facet of life.

Each of us has the right to take pride in our particularfaith or heritage. But the notion that what is ours isnecessarily in conflict with what is theirs is both false anddangerous. It has resulted in endless enmity and conflict,leading men to commit the greatest of crimes in the name ofa higher power.

It need not be so. People of different religions andcultures live side by side in almost every part of the world,and most of us have overlapping identities which unite uswith very different groups. We can love what we are,without hating what – and who – we are not. We can thrivein our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and cometo respect their teachings.

This will not be possible, however, without freedom ofreligion, of expression, of assembly, and basic equalityunder the law. Indeed, the lesson of the past century hasbeen that where the dignity of the individual has beentrampled or threatened – where citizens have not enjoyedthe basic right to choose their government, or the right tochange it regularly – conflict has too often followed, withinnocent civilians paying the price, in lives cut short andcommunities destroyed.

The obstacles to democracy have little to do with cultureor religion, and much more to do with the desire of those inpower to maintain their position at any cost. This is neithera new phenomenon nor one confined to any particular partof the world. People of all cultures value their freedom ofchoice, and feel the need to have a say in decisions affectingtheir lives.

The United Nations, whose membership comprisesalmost all the States in the world, is founded on the principleof the equal worth of every human being. It is the nearestthing we have to a representative institution that can addressthe interests of all states, and all peoples. Through thisuniversal, indispensable instrument of human progress,States can serve the interests of their citizens by recognizingcommon interests and pursuing them in unity. No doubt,that is why the Nobel Committee says that it “wishes, in itscentenary year, to proclaim that the only negotiable route toglobal peace and cooperation goes by way of the UnitedNations”.

I believe the Committee also recognized that this era ofglobal challenges leaves no choice but cooperation at theglobal level. When States undermine the rule of law andviolate the rights of their individual citizens, they become amenace not only to their own people, but also to theirneighbours, and indeed the world. What we need today isbetter governance – legitimate, democratic governance thatallows each individual to flourish, and each State to thrive.

You will recall that I began my address with a referenceto the girl born in Afghanistan today. Even though hermother will do all in her power to protect and sustain her,there is a one-in-four risk that she will not live to see herfifth birthday. Whether she does is just one test of ourcommon humanity – of our belief in our individualresponsibility for our fellow men and women. But it is theonly test that matters.

Remember this girl and then our larger aims – to fightpoverty, prevent conflict, or cure disease – will not seemdistant, or impossible. Indeed, those aims will seem verynear, and very achievable – as they should. Becausebeneath the surface of States and nations, ideas andlanguage, lies the fate of individual human beings in need.Answering their needs will be the mission of the UnitedNations in the century to come.

Thank you very much.

WE CAN LOVE WHAT WE ARE, WITHOUT HATING WHAT – AND WHO – WE ARE NOTWE CAN LOVE WHAT WE ARE, WITHOUT HATING WHAT – AND WHO – WE ARE NOT

7December 2001 - The Blue Beret

Nobel Lecture by Secretary-General Kofi Annan: Oslo, 10 December 2001Nobel Lecture by Secretary-General Kofi Annan: Oslo, 10 December 2001

8 December 2001 - The Blue Beret 9December 2001 - The Blue Beret

December 4 began dry andfresh. In the mid-distancethe rain clouds were

hanging heavy on the mountains.Everyone was geared up and readyfor action. The leaders werecoming. H.E. Mr. Rauf Denktashfrom the north. H.E. Mr. GlafcosClerides from the south.

And with them – well, actuallyahead of them – a posse of 200media people.

Signs arrowing the “Meeting”pointed the way to the Chief ofMission’s residence from theFoxtrot and Morphou Gate UNPAentry points. Since they werestandard, UNPA-issue signs, theyactually signified “UN Meeting”.

The Chief of Mission’s houselooked bright and trim. Outside thefront entry wall stood a platformriser covered in green baize, strongenough to support a team ofheavyweight TV cameramen andphotographers.

Inside on the driveway (andstretching across the approach roadoutside), a fence of sparklingwhite, crowd control barricadesstood ready to separate the mediafrom the message. UNCIVPOL,MFR, FMPU and MPIOs were inposition.

First TV crews and satellitevans were manoeuvering intoplace by 6.30 am. Soon thedesignated areas adjacent to thehouse were chock-a-block withGreek Cypriot and Turkish CypriotTV channels ready to broadcast theday’s events live and wide.Among them were a number ofoff-island channels, includingCNN Turkey.

The “scribblers” turned up last,the pen, paradoxically, being laterthan the lens. Then, in one fellswoop of swiveling cameras, theshow began.

The Secretary-General’sSpecial Adviser, Mr. Alvaro deSoto, arrived to a chorus ofquestions about his role. Heresponded silently but eloquentlyby holding up a tiny notebook inone hand and a pencil in the other.

Cameras clicked and flashespopped as he disappeared throughthe front door with Chief ofMission Mr. Zbigniew Wlosowicz.

Promptly at 10.00 a.m., Mr.Clerides drove up to be greeted byMr. Wlosowicz. He too paused for

the benefit of the cameras, andthen entered the house.

Four minutes later, Mr.Denktash arrived. Before goinginside, he responded to a reporter’sshouted question by saying: “I loveyou”.

Quickly, the two leaders emergedonce more to stand alongside oneanother and provide the obligatory“photo-op” handshake before re-entering the snug comfort of theresidence quarters to get down tothe real business of the day.

Outside, the media were lessfortunate. Commentators andanchormen were just getting intotheir stride, prognosticating andpredicting, when the skies opened.The ensuing scramble for raincoatsand umbrellas suggests that theywere right to go into politicalcommentary and not weatherforecasting!

Fortunately, the UNFICYP con-tingency planners had consultedthe meteorologists and a tent hadbeen erected across from the CM’shouse. Originally intended to servecoffee, it quickly became theshelter of choice where mediafrom both sides mingled (to thedegree one can when pressedtogether shoulder-to-shoulder).

An hour passed. Came the word.Mr. de Soto was about to make astatement.

Back into the elements raced asoggy but determined media, asthey took up their positions in frontof the entry again.

The Special Adviser, flanked bythe two leaders, stood on the topsteps. In the doorway, the Chief ofMission, officials and members ofthe security details.

Mr. de Soto attempted to readthe statement above the clamour ofreporters, shouting: “We can’thear… louder please…”.

Moving nearer to be moreclearly heard, Mr. de Soto almostlost his footing on the slipperysteps. He recovered and under theyellow folds of the umbrella of theSpokesperson began to read “Andthe good news is...” (see text box,left).

Mr. Denktash and Mr. Cleridesleft immediately afterwards, onlyto come together the followingevening for a dinner at Mr.Denktash’s house honouring Mr.de Soto.

And the good news is...

At the meeting held on 4 December 2001 between H.E.Mr. Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, andH.E. Mr. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, atthe residence of the UN Chief of Mission and in thepresence of Mr. Alvaro de Soto, the Special Adviser tothe Secretary-General on Cyprus, the two leadersagreed to the following:

. That the Secretary-General, in the exercise of hismission of good offices, would invite the two leadersto direct talks;

. That these talks will be held in Cyprus starting inmid-January 2002 on UN premises;

. That there will be no preconditions;

. That all issues will be on the table;

. That they will continue to negotiate in good faithuntil a comprehensive settlement is achieved;

. That nothing will be agreed until everything isagreed.

Ph

oto

by O

zmen

Yýlancýlar

From the Outside Looking On...Making History in the UNPA

Ph

oto

by

Ch

rist

os

Th

eodori

des

10 11December 2001 - The Blue BeretDecember 2001 - The Blue Beret

On 15 December, UNFICYP Force CommanderMaj. Gen. Victory Rana departed Cyprus for hisnext posting, as the Quarter Master General of the

Royal Nepalese Army, stationed at Army Headquartersin Kathmandu. Before he left, however, he spoke to TheBlue Beret about his time here on the island, the changesthat he has seen, and his hopes for the future.

Maj. Gen. Rana remembered arriving in UNFICYP inDecember 1999 to find a very good team of high calibreindividuals, including Chief of Mission Mr. JamesHolger, whom he describes as an invaluable source ofadvice, a very experienced diplomat, and a great supportin his first months with the mission. “I found an organi-sation as committed to the ideals of the United Nationsand UNFICYP’s mandate as it was when the mission wasestablished,” he said. “This I attribute to the people,military and civilian, who have gone before me."

The Force Commander commented that while he hadexperience working in a multinational force (UNIFIL),this was his first command of such a force, and that hehas enjoyed the experience immensely. “It is relativelyeasy to command a force when you have the support ofa good team of people,” he said. “Many of the peoplewho work and serve in the force have previousexperience in this mission or in other UN missions, andhave a thorough knowledge of the Cyprus Problem.”

When asked how he approached his appointment,Maj. Gen. Rana explained that as any militarycommander would, he examined the mandate to see whatit was the force had to achieve. “As in any organisation,the best resource is its people and it was clear to me thata lot remained to be done to improve the lot of soldierson the line across the Buffer Zone,” he said: “Iestablished as a primary objective the improvement inliving conditions for soldiers across the Buffer Zone. Iam delighted to see that this is showing results in allsectors and I hope it continues.”

Another of his operational priorities was developingthe liaison arrangements between the opposing forces onthe island. At every opportunity, including meetingswith the commanders of both forces, he emphasized thatliaison at the lowest levels was the most effective way ofpreventing operational problems from escalating. "Wenow have a low level liaison system that I believe isunique in peacekeeping terms,” he noted. “I don’t knowof any other mission where individual private soldiers onthe line have such an influence on the mission’s success.This has the added effect of making it easier for opposingforces to relate to the mission at higher levels, becausemany of the problems are solved at the lowest level.”

He noted that cooperation with the opposing forces isgenerally very good, and that they understand thatUNFICYP’s credibility as an impartial force depends onthe consistent way in which the rules are applied to bothsides.

As for the island itself, he said that he and his familyhad found all of Cyprus to be a very beautiful place.They particularly enjoyed Polis, with its picturesquescenery and quiet, peaceful atmosphere, and “TurtleBeach” in the north, which they often visited for itsbeauty and tranquility.

His tour has also been special in that he and his wifePadma had both their daughter Pooja, 24, and sonMandir, 20, living with them. “Both undertook coursesat Intercollege, which is affiliated with the University ofIndianapolis in the States. My daughter has followedcomputer sciences and my son has taken a course inbusiness administration, so it has been lovely having thefour of us under one roof, even if only for one year.”

Maj. Gen. Rana said that someone recently told himthat you do not make friends on a tour like this; you makeacquaintances. He believes this to be completely untrue.“My family and I leave UNFICYP with some sadnessthat we are parting from good friends, but we also havethe comfort of the happy memories of our time here.Memories may fade, but good friendships will alwayslast.”

He also mentioned that he will miss the friendlinessof the people of Cyprus. “I was so pleasantly surprisedto see how friendly and hospitable the people are, both tomyself and all my family. On the military side, I shallmiss the multi-national atmosphere of UNFICYP. I havemet so many military and civilian professionals workingin this environment whom I’ve enjoyed working withvery much,” he adds.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all inUNFICYP for the support given to me,” he said. “I amleaving with a sense of satisfaction that UNFICYP isworking well and fulfilling its mandate. I wish the Forceand all of you continued success in the future. Be assuredthat I will follow the progress of the mission with greatinterest.”

In the meantime, he said that he was very happy tosee the two leaders come together on 4 December, and tohear they have agreed to meet again under the auspicesof the United Nations in mid January next year. “I amvery optimistic that, through these latest developments,the Cyprus problem will come to an end and that alasting and peaceful solution will be found that will bebeneficial to all Cypriots. This is my wish.”

32nd Regiment Royal Artillery was raised as VIIMedium Brigade Royal Artillery on 1 April 1927 with25 (Battle Axe Company), 26, 27 and 28 MediumBatteries. Each battery had four guns, either 60Pounders or 6-inch Howitzers. In 1938, as part of theoverall reorganisation of the Royal Artillery, the termBrigade was replaced by Regiment and the Regimentwas re-designated 7 Medium Regiment Royal Artillery.

The Regiment played a distinguished part in theSecond World War. In 1944, Field Marshal Montgo-mery was to say of the Regiment: “I know this Regimenthas been through the whole show, and I consider 7th

Medium Regiment to have been the backbone of thewhole show”. The Regiment arrived back in England in1943, eleven years to the day since departing for Indiain 1932. It did not remain there long, and landed inNormandy on D-Day. In July 1945 it was renamed 32Medium Regiment. The Regiment served in HongKong, Korea and Germany before returning to the UKin 1972, where it was re-equipped with 105mm PackHowitzers.

In 1990, the Regiment deployed to Kuwait on OpGranby with the M110. In 1992-93 it converted to itscurrent weapon system, the Multiple Launch RocketSystem (MLRS). Currently based in Larkhill, theRegiment is comprised of two MLRS Batteries, aPhoenix Locating Battery – 22 (Gibraltar 1779-83)Battery, and HQ Battery. It is one of three MLRSRegiments in the British Army, all of which are based inthe UK. The Regiment has also deployed on tours to NI,Falklands, Bosnia and Kosovo. This is the Regiment’s2nd URR tour to Cyprus.

Force CommanderMaj. Gen.

Victory RanaWishes UNFICYP

and Cyprus aLasting Peace

Force CommanderMaj. Gen.

Victory RanaWishes UNFICYP

and Cyprus aLasting Peace

Lt. Col. Colin Brundle assumedcommand of 32nd Regiment RoyalArtillery in February 2000. Prior tothat he was an Instructor at theKuwait Staff College. He wascommissioned into the RoyalArtillery in 1979 and posted to 2ndField Regiment, Larkhill. Movingto Germany, he served with 1 RHA,1st British Corps as an ADC andwith 3 RHA as a Forward Observa-tion Officer.

Lt. Col. Brundle returned to theUK in 1987 as a Platoon Comman-der at the Royal Military AcademySandhurst (RMAS), and attendedthe Army Staff College in 1991.Following a staff appointment, he

returned to 3 RHA in Topcliffe asBattery Commander of D Battery –equipped with the AS90 and theWarrior – from 1994-1995. He thenreturned to the RMAS as aCompany Commander before goingto the Joint Services Command andStaff College as an SO1 DS.

Lt. Col. Brundle is married withtwo children, and is often seen withhis chocolate Labrador “Monty”. Heenjoys all sports; other interestsinclude gardening, bridge, DIY andmilitary history.

Commanding Officer Sector 2 - Lt. Col. Colin Brundle

Col. Fletcher, COS UNFICYP, talking to Gnr. Hammersley(74 Bty) during his visit to 32 Regt RA during Pre-Op

TOSCA training on Salisbury Plain

Lt. Col. I.J. Bayless (12 Regt RA)handing over command of Sector 2

to Lt. Col. C.J. Brundle (32 Regt RA)on 5 December

A Brief History

XXXII

32nd Regiment Royal Artillery Group deployed to Cyprus to take overfrom 12 Regiment Royal Artillery after their six-month tour.

The Regiment took over Sector 2 on 5 December 2001, and will remainuntil 5 June 2002, when it will be replaced by 16 Regiment RoyalArtillery.

32nd Regt RA Gp comprises 18 (Quebec 1759) Battery, 74 Battery (TheBattle Axe Company), 46 (Talavera) Headquarters Battery, K (Hondeghem)Battery (5 Regiment RA) and a detachment from 69 Gurkha FieldSquadron, Queen’s Gurkha Engineers.

32nd Regiment Royal Artillery Group

12 December 2001 - The Blue Beret

When you visit the gym in Camp SaintIstván, you will likely find Cpl.Magdolna Petróczki (“Magdi” to her

friends) training there.With a personal best of 185 kg in the death lift,

and 170 kg in the squat, Magdi is no beginner inthe gym. Her usual training unit lasts two hours,and she trains four times a week, so she spends alot of her free time there. Although she is not verytall, her physical strength is indeed breathtaking.

Magdi has lovedthe sport of powerlifting since 1993,and began weightlifting two yearslater. Immediatelyafter she startedpower lifting, shewon the HungarianChampionship inthe 56 kg category.Since then, she haswon the champion-ship nine times andshe would like to

win the 10th national title to create a new nationalrecord. She has good memories of the PowerLifting European Championship in France in1999, having finished there in third place. Theatmosphere at the championships evidently suitsher, because she always makes her personal bestthere.

Magdi joined the Hungarian army in 1997, andat home she works in 34 Bercsényi LászlóReconnaissance Battalion in Szolnok as a radiooperator. Here in UNFICYP, she works on theCOMCEN at Camp Saint István in Athienou inSector 4.

Magdi provides a shining example of howsuccessful women can be in the areas of powerlifting and weight lifting, and we wish hercontinued personal bests!

Champion!

Five months ago, SLOVCONtook over the commandover Sector 4 and it seems

as though the time has passedtoo fast.

All beginnings are difficult,and the start of the mission forSlovak soldiers has been noexception. The great advantagefor a large number of them,however, was experience gainedduring peacekeeping missions inthe former Yugoslavia.Although Slovakia is a relativelysmall country, its soldiers havebeen participating in UNmissions all over the world.

While the main respon-sibility for fulfilling missiontasks in Cyprus remains withpersonnel dealing withoperational matters, thesupporting unit personnelplay a very important role. Itis hard to imagine a contin-gent without sufficient num-bers of professionals such ascooks, engineers, carpenters,plumbers and electricians,who try hard to make theliving conditions morecomfortable for all of us. Theirassistance is of tremendous help.

One of the problems facingthe newly arrivedsoldiers was thedifferent climaticconditions: whenthey left Slovakia,the temperaturewas about 15 de-grees (very un-usual for June,even in Slovakia!),whereas Cypruswas already reach-ing the 40s.

Another hurdleto overcome was apartially imperfectknowledge of

English – in this mission, mostpositions need at least a basicknowledge of English. Thiscaused some problems, espe-cially for COMCEN. Thestrong-willed guys have beenworking really hard to overcomethat disadvantage, and now youmay see their significant im-provements.

It takes time to get used todifferent systems of work andworking conditions, but themembers of SLOVCON areready to solve any problem, andto fulfil their duties withexcellence. They appreciate thehonour and the trust that wereplaced in them after they tookover command of Sector 4.

Settling Down in Sector 4

Saint Barbara’s Day in Sector 1

Celebrating Music

By 1/Lt. L. Klíma

By 1/Lt. H. Fantoni

By T.N.I.M. Vera

By WO3 Roque Eugenio RetamarSe

ctor

4

On 4 December, Argentinian Gunners com-memorate the day of the artillery branch andof our holy patroness, Saint Barbara. On this

day, we remember her unyielding Christian faith,even as she was executed by her own father,Dioscorus, for refusing to deny Christ; and weremember the resulting lightning bolt that killed herfather. Today, Saint Barbara protects those at riskfrom explosions and storms. For that reason, gunnersworldwide come under the sacred mantel of herprotection, wherever we are.

Today we are very far from our artillery pieces,and absent from the magazines. It is not the task ofcontrolling firing effectiveness that places thebinoculars in front of our eyes, but rather the obser-vation mission in our area of responsibility; there arenot displacements to occupy new firing positions,but rather our patrols that are monitoring the statusquo in Cyprus. We have exchanged calculations inthe firing control centre for reports dealing with theaccomplishment of fire ceasing in our area ofresponsibility; and the mimicked coif that covers ourhelmets in Argentina has been supplanted by the blueberet that distinguishes the United Nations Soldier ofPeace. Today, we serve next to comrade gunners of

the Argentinian Marine Corps, integrating into aCombined Task Force with brother countries likeBrazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, veryfar from our Units and our families...

But there is something that keeps intact a feelingthat fills us with immense happiness, as much as theaccurate firing of our Howitzers: it is the satisfactionof accomplishing accurately and with effort, withdetail and self-denial, with care and professionalism,each mission that we are tasked with, so that we cantake pride in the high honour of our legacy, sung inverse by a chap-lain of the Span-ish Army:

Barbarian areyour Howitzers,

Barbarian areyour mortars,

Barbara is yourholy

patroness…

What you willbe, Gunners!!

Marines: Patriae Semper Vigiles!On 19 November, ARGCON cele-brated the 122th anniversary ofArgentine President Avellanedaissuing the order organizing thefirst Marine Unit.

The ceremony took place atAdmiral William Brown Camp,where Marines from Sector 1(Charlie Coy) are posted. Sector 1CO Lt. Col. Cimmarusti presided,and many members of the Sectorstaff and our UNCIVPOL fellows

from Dhenia and Linou stationsattended. The Marines hosted theirguests with the traditional empan-adas (minced meat wrapped inpastry), a delicious chicken cazuela(something like a chicken stew), avery rich cake, and wonderful musicplayed by the contingent band.

Celebrating the ArgentinianMarine Corps’ Anniversary provedan excellent opportunity to consoli-date comradeships among UNFICYPmembers.

November 22nd is a special day for Argen-tinian military musicians, who celebrate theInternational Day of Music, which is also

the day of their Patroness, Saint Cecilia.Since the Independence War days against the

Spaniards, military bands have accompanied ourtroops, enhancing esprit de corps. They alsoprovide an accurate frame not only for militaryparades and ceremonies, but also in schools,squares and every place where military musicprovides an important link between servicemen andthe civilian population.

Here in Cyprus, Sector 1 band members feelvery proud and honored to be serving with theUnited Nations. We may be far away from home,but we are happy at the opportunity to share ourtraditional music, our military marches and our“Argentinian touch”, to make our comrades feel athome.

Being here is also a professional challenge forus, because we are playing music from different

ARGCON contributing countries such as Bolivia,Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, plus nationalanthems and tunes from the many countries withwhom we share responsibilities in UNFICYP.

That it is why now, as in the past, Argentinemilitary musicians work together to accomplish ourmission, following the trail traced by our ancestors.

Sector 1Argentinian “Marines” Day

13December 2001 - The Blue Beret

Cpl. Tatarkovic

Cpl. Tapajna

CO Sector 1 cutting the cake with two Marines

Argentinian military musicians

1514 December 2001 - The Blue Beret December 2001 - The Blue Beret

So what will we come up with next? All entriesshould be submitted to the Public Information

Office by:

14 January 2002

. SSgt Curtis from Bengal Tp has an idea – itdoesn’t happen often!

. Bob’s hair transplant was a bit off-kilt.

. ...but it was nothing that a couple of aspirinscouldn't cure...

. Those blue berets aren’t much protection; betterorder helmets instead.

. And so the UN was once again contacted byaliens.

. More proof that it really IS better not to drinkand drive...

. Nah, he’s just in love! (WINNER)

Caption Competition

With very short notice, we did well again in thiscompetition with the captions creating much

merriment. It’s surprising what inspiration candescend upon us...

Finland gained her independence on 6 December,1917. To recognise this important part of theircountry’s rich cultural heritage and national

identity, the Finnish members of UNFICYP held anevening reception at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia on 6December 2001 – the 84th anniversary of FinnishIndependence Day. The day’s celebration also includedpresenting Capt. A. Partanen with his UNFICYP medal.

In 1155, Finland was incorporated into the Kingdomof Sweden. The border between Finland and Russia waschanged five times during constant war in 1809. Despitethe exhausting wars, firm foundations for an indepen-dent judiciary, public services and political system werelaid.

In October/November 1917 the turmoil in Russia ledto a revolution. Finland took the opportunity and unilat-erally declared independence, managing to consolidateit in favour of the government after a short but fiercecivil war against the “Reds” (Russian communist-backed troops).

Finland became a member of the United Nations in1955. The following year the first Finnish peacekeepingforce – a company of over 200 men – was sent to Sinai.Since that time Finland has been involved in almost all

UN peacekeeping operations, by contributing eithermilitary forces or military observers. Today some 1,350Finnish soldiers serve overseas. Only 50 of those serveunder the UN flag, as most of them operate in NATO-ledoperations. The total number of Finnish soldiers whohave been in the service of peace is over 42,000. Out ofthose, more than 10,000 have served in Cyprus since1964.

- - - or at least a little bit of cold. Just for Christmas. Iam struggling to get into my usual Christmas spirit,being surrounded by palm trees, sun and fairly warmweather. Especially for a Scandinavian, these areunusual conditions for the month of December. As amatter of fact, I think most of us here in UNFICYP areused to different weather. The Slovakians areexperiencing fierce snowstorms back home, theHungarians are facing bitter cold, in Ireland andEngland -- let me take a wild guess here – it’s cold, greyAND raining. The Argentinians and Australians – ofcourse – are used to a warm and sunny Christmas.Maybe I should talk to them to receive some advice ashow to cope with temperatures DROPPING to 18degrees.

Christmas celebrations in most countries start asearly as November, and that was when my children andI put bright, beautiful and very colourful lights in a palmtree we have on our balcony. We are definitely the onlyfamily in our building complex with such a creation. Icannot lie to you and say that it looks good, but the kidsseem happy and it does succeed in giving me some sortof Christmassy-feel when I look at it.

I have noticed that going into the month ofDecember, Cyprus is beginning to look a lot likeChristmas too, and I love all the street lights and

decorations, forcing the children out at night-time todrive around and look at them.

Soon we’re off to the Troodos Mountains, whererumours have it that a little bit of snow has fallen. Wewill be the ones rolling around in one-inch of snow!

Have a WONDERFUL holiday season….

Debasis De and his wifeFlorentina Grosu, the

globe-trotting peace promo-ters, visited UNFICYP in thecourse of their trip to Cyprus.

De has visited 75 countriesand some 3,000 schools cover-ing over 120,000 km since heembarked on his world walk in1991 to promote peace, racialharmony and non-violence.He is a devout believer in

Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence.

De, a 40-year-old Indianfrom Calcutta, is a formerschoolteacher. He makes apoint in his peace pilgrimageof visiting UNESCO affiliatedschools and institutes oflearning. He met his 21-year-old wife in Romania, whereshe joined him on his walk ayear ago.

It was a cold, dark and raining morning when five teamsfrom UNFICYP met to check in for this year’s 12 SU

Walkdown, held on 1 December 2001. The race is 18miles on road, track and bondu from Platres to Episkopi inteams of three. During the race you must navigate throughthree checkpoints to the finish in the fastest possible time.

In the mixed category, UNFICYP took home first,second and third place. The winners, “UN Mixed 2” fromSector 2, consisted of L. Bunch, G. Lamb and Hall. “Getback in the van, you’re embarrassing us all”, comprisingJ.J. Simon, Angela Milne and Jan Gajdoš, came in second,only 41 seconds after the winners. Not far behind themwere the “UNFICYP All Stars” of Madeline Garlick,Walter Absmann and Kyriacos Michaelides.

Sector 1 entered a true UN team, with members fromArgentina, Chile and Uruguay. The “Mercosur” team ofM. Villegas Zanon, W. Paiva and S. Marancovich, afteronly having one week to train, finished in just over fourhours, beating many teams who had trained for months.We are going to look out for this team in the next race.

“Forrest, Gump & Co Mark 3” made its third 12 SUWalkdown together with team newcomer KathleenQuigley. William Style and Janet Forrest have finished therace three years in a row – William travelled from England

this year to compete with the team. The teams would like to say a special thank you to

Andy Townsend for driving and to Diana Bridger for all ofher help getting the teams ready to compete. The 12 SUWalkabout (a 50 km long-distance event) is on 6 April,2002 and the challenge is on...

So come on sectors, get training!

FINCON CelebratesFINCON Celebrates

From the left: Maj T. Makela, Capt. V-P Raunioand Capt. A. Partanen

UNFICYP prize winners

12 SU Walkdown 2001By Angela Milne

A Little Bit of Snow --Plleeeezzzeee

By Charlotte Mortensen

The Globe Trotters