The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus and head of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp), Colin Stewart, expressed optimism on Wednesday that the Cyprus problem might soon find resolution. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) after an event held outside Ledra Palace in the Nicosia buffer zone, Stewart emphasized the importance of the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers,’ describing it as “an occasion to pay tribute to all those who serve in peacekeeping worldwide and those who have served in the past.”
Commemorating Peacekeepers with a Monument
This year marked a significant milestone as Unficyp observed the day at a newly inaugurated monument named ‘In The Service of Peace.’ Unveiled on March 4, this monument commemorates the force’s 60th anniversary in Cyprus. “This monument honors 150,000 uniformed personnel who have served in Cyprus, 187 of whom have died here,” Stewart noted. “We created this permanent monument as a space accessible to all Cypriots and visitors to reflect on the contributions towards resolving the Cyprus problem. We hope the issue will not continue much longer.”
During the event, Stewart read a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who praised the more than 76,000 UN peacekeepers striving for peace. “They embody humanity’s highest ideal: peace,” Guterres stated. “Hailing from over 120 countries, our Blue Helmets serve in 11 peace operations across conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.”
Guterres highlighted the daily efforts of these men and women, often undertaken at great personal risk, to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections, and strengthen institutions. “They are part of a long-standing tradition,” he said. “For over 75 years, UN peacekeepers have supported communities devastated by conflict and upheaval across 71 missions.”
The Secretary-General also paid tribute to the more than 4,300 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag. He stressed that global support is essential for peacekeepers to meet contemporary and future challenges. “Achieving peace takes hard work,” Guterres’ message added. “On this important day, and every day, let’s re-commit to supporting those who work for peace: the UN peacekeepers.”
