Brave New YearThree events stand out as we move away fromthe year 2001 and into the brave New Year of2002. Most numbingly, the horror of 11 Septemberand the terrorist attacks in the United States onthe World Trade Center in New York and thePentagon in Washington D.C. All of us have shared in the grief and in thesense of outrage. On that fateful day, thepreviously unthinkable became fanaticism’sdone deed. Now, in order to pursue day-to-dayactivities securely, we all pay the price forheightened vigilance by curtailing many of thepersonal freedoms we had long taken forgranted. On a happier note, the United Nations andSecretary-General Kofi Annan were jointlyawarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. It is anhonour done us all in our capacity as servants ofthis unique organisation. With the honour, comeobligations. What better New Year’s resolutionthan to recommit ourselves to the aims andaspirations enunciated by the Secretary-Generalin accepting the prize. Just as individuals mustbe the end-beneficiaries of our efforts as aninstitution, so our individual efforts are the keyto the organisation’s ability to realize itsmission successfully.Finally, and, let us hope, as a harbinger of goodthings to come, the New Year has begun wellhere in Cyprus with the launch of the directtalks between the two leaders. Also, their twomeetings on the issue of the missing persons.What better wish for 2002 than the resolution ofthe Cyprus problem? We wish Mr. Clerides andMr. Denktash well in their endeavours, as,indeed, we do all our readers.

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Front Cover: The Two Leaders

January 2002 - The Blue Beret January 2002 - The Blue Beret 3

Published monthly by the PublicInformation Office of the UnitedNations Force in Cyprus, HQUNFICYP, PO Box 21642, Nicosia,Cyprus.Tel: 22864550/22864416/22864408Fax: 22864461E-mail: blueberetcyprus@hotmail.comWeb site: www.unficyp.org

Editorial TeamBrian KellyMaj. Dezsõ KissMiriam Taylor

PhotographyMSgt. Michal ZurbolaContingent 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.

’

On 7 January 2002, Lieutenant-General Jin HaHwang of the Republic of Korea assumedcommand of the United Nations Peacekeeping

Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), succeeding Major-GeneralVictory Rana of Nepal. Lieutenant-General Hwangarrived in Cyprus on 4 January.

Lieutenant-General Hwang has held various militaryappointments in the service of his country, includingcommand of an artillery battery, and at battalion andhigher levels in the ROK-US Combined Forces, as well asserving as Commanding General of V. Corps Artillery.Other assignments as colonel and general officer wereprimarily in political/military affairs and in strategy andpolicy positions with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staffand the Ministry of National Defence. He most recentlyserved as Defence Attaché in the Embassy of the Republicof Korea to the United States in Washington, D.C.

Lieutenant-General Hwang enlisted as a cadet in theArmy of the Republic of Korea in 1965. He is a graduateof the Korean Military Academy, US Army Commandand General Staff College and Central MichiganUniversity.

Born in 1946, Lieutenant-General Hwang is marriedto Bo Kyung. They have two sons and a daughter.

Lieutenant-General Jin Ha Hwang with theChief of Mission

Dear colleagues and friends,I write to you in this New Year with a special feeling ofgratitude. During 2001, the United Nations confrontedextraordinary challenges – from redoubling our fightagainst AIDS to undertaking sensitive new tasks in ourpeacekeeping operations to managing complex hum-anitarian and political missions. The events of 11September and their aftermath put us to difficult newtests. Throughout the year, every day, everywhere,you demonstrated unwavering professionalism,spirit and dedication.

New challenges will arise in the year ahead,even as we continue to work towards the Millen-nium goals of freedom from fear, freedom fromwant and protecting the resources of our planet.As always, the success of our endeavours willdepend entirely on the partnership between MemberStates and the staff of the United Nations family.

We enter 2002 greatly encouraged by the award ofthe Nobel Prize in its centennial year – an unparallelledrecognition of both the achievements and potential ofour organisation. As you know, the Nobel Committeesaid in its citation that it wished: “to proclaim that theonly negotiable route to global peace and cooperationgoes by way of the United Nations”.

In a world growing ever closer and more inter-connected, and yet still riven by dire poverty, brutalconflict and cruel injustice, it is more important thanever that humanity travel that route, and that all of uswork hard to pave the road ahead of it.

One of the themes of my Nobel address is that it isthe individual who must benefit from the policies of

national governments and from the work of theUnited Nations. Likewise, it is thanks to the

contribution of every individual in the UnitedNations family that our organisation is able tomake a difference; and it will continue todepend on each individual staff member inorder to succeed in the future.

I take this opportunity to underline again thatthe Peace Prize belongs to every staff member, in

every part of the United Nations, in every comerof the globe. And it belongs to all the many men and

women who gave their lives in the service of ourorganisation. When you begin your work afresh in theNew Year, I hope each one of you will draw renewedinspiration and direction from this honour that will beyours forever. In this spirit, please accept my warmestwishes for the New Year.

Kofi A. Annan

New Year Greetings from the Secretary-General

UNFICYP WelcomesLieutenant-General

Jin Ha Hwang

COM Hosts Leaders forMeeting on the Missing

Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowicz hosted theGreek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, H.E.

Mr. Glafcos Clerides and H.E. Mr. Rauf Denktash, at hisresidence on 11 January when they met twice in hispresence to discuss the issue of the missing persons. Thetwo leaders agreed to exchange draft proposals on howto resolve the issue of the missing. Mr. Wlosowiczcontinues to facilitate the exchanges.

Chief of Mission with the two leaders

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Editorial/Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2The Facts on Anthrax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Nobel Peace Prize/

Working with the Secretary-General . . . .4/5The Guirins/Mucking in Together/

New DCO Sector 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Visits to UNFICYP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Record Numbers Celebrate UN Day . . . . .8/9First Brazilian Soldier in UNFICYP/

A Scenic Day in Sector 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Military Skills Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Drinking and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12/13On a Philosophical Note/

Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15UN Day 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Contents

4 January 2002 - The Blue Beret January 2002 - The Blue Beret 5

The Greek Cypriot leader, H.E.Mr. Glafcos Clerides, and theTurkish Cypriot leader, H.E.

Mr. Rauf Denktash, kicked off theirdirect talks on 16 January whenthey met for 90 minutes in theNicosia Conference Centre, arefurbished wing of the UNDP/UNOPS complex in the UNPA.The two leaders met in the pre-sence of the Secretary-General’sSpecial Adviser on Cyprus, Alvarode Soto, having been met on arrivalby UNFICYP Chief of MissionZbigniew Wlosowicz.

After the meeting, Mr. de Sototold some 150 Turkish and GreekCypriot press and TV reporters andvisiting foreign correspondents thatthe two leaders had met, “first inprivate, in my presence”. After “agood discussion on the substance”,they subsequently continued withtheir advisers.

Mr. de Soto announced that,beginning 21 January, the meetingswould continue on “Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays starting at5:00 pm”, thus giving the two sidesan opportunity to “reflect on whatthey discussed today”.

Describing it as “a veryencouraging start”, Mr. de Sotonoted that the leaders had “engagedimmediately on the substance”. Hecharacterized the climate of theinitial session of talks as “good,cordial”.

As to his own role, the SpecialAdviser reiterated, “I am there to assist inany way I can”.

The direct talks were agreed to whenthe two leaders met on 4 December 2001at the Chief of Mission’s residence in theUNPA. In the statement read out by Mr.de Soto after that meeting, the twoleaders agreed to the following:

. “That the Secretary-General, in theexercise of his mission of goodoffices, would invite the two leadersto direct talks;

. “That these talks will be held inCyprus starting in mid-January2002 on UN premises;

. “That there will be no precondi-tions;

. “That all issues will be on the table;

. “That they will continue to negotiatein good faith until a comprehensivesettlement is achieved;

. “That nothing will be agreed untileverything is agreed.”

The conference centre in which thedirect talks are being held is the last ofseveral buildings restored by UNDP/UNOPS in what was the old Nicosiaairport complex. UNDP took over thepremises in 1999 for use as an office forits UNOPS programmes in Cyprus, andundertook renovations on a limitednumber of buildings needed to house itsoffice facilities. Scheduled work on thelast of these buildings was movedforward in order to accommodate thedirect talks, and the job was completedover a five-week period.

6 January 2002 - The Blue Beret January 2002 - The Blue Beret

Once again, winter weather proved that it’s not allpalm trees, sun, sand and Club Med here on theisland. As 2001 ended and 2002 began, the worst

weather in recent years blanketed the island in heavyrains and an unusually widespread snowfall, creating avariety of challenges for soldiers patrolling the BufferZone and testing the skills of the engineering troops.

According to UNFICYP Force Engineer Maj. JenoLadocsi, heavy rainfalls damaged patrol tracks, roadsurfaces and drainage culverts throughout the BufferZone. In Sector 1’s mountainous terrain, with narrowpatrol tracks, dangerous rocky areas and deep preci-pices, there are few opportunities to bypass flooded ordamaged areas. Sector 2’s generally flat terrain createsideal conditions for water running from the hills toaccumulate, again damaging patrol tracks – particularlyin Sector 2 East, where the main track crosses throughthe water assembly area.

Sector 4 features a variety of flat and hilly areas,where flood waters carry so much mud and debris thatroad surfaces become impassable and drainage culvertsare quickly blocked or damaged.

UNCIVPOL Sector 1In Sector 1, no less than four rivers traverse the BufferZone. Bone dry in summer months, these rain-swelledrivers have recently washed away bridges, closed patroltracks and caused slippery conditions requiring extremecare. Rains were followed by heavy snowfall. Whilst theTroodos Mountains do receive snow above an altitudeof approximately 1,500 metres, recent falls have been aslow as the 200-metre level, causing road closures, powerand telephone service cuts, and a resultant lack ofheating.

City Troop – Sector 2The combination of rain, wind and cold, dry weather hascaused cracks in the walls of the dilapidated, disusedhouses and shops along City Troop’s patrol track. Thishas resulted in five areas where rubble fell onto thetrack. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.Although patrols are usually carried out on foot,vehicles are now used where possible, since the patroltrack stretches 1,600 metres, and rubble falling onvehicles is preferable to rubble falling on soldiers!

Liri Troop – Sector 2Certain parts of the track have been totally washed awayby the rains. In one instance, part of a patrol track on theFarming Security Line was washed into an adjacentminefield, together with the fence (which the engineershave now repaired). Soldiers have carried out certainrepairs using piping and large rocks to rebuild badlydamaged patrol tracks. In some areas, flooding pre-vented vehicles from passing along the normal route, sopatrols were redirected and bicycles used instead.

1st Coy – Sector 4On 29 November, two soldiers on patrol duty reachedthe Yialias riverbed at 0510 hrs. The patrol planincluded crossing the usually dry riverbed, but thesoldiers soon realised that the crossing could be toorisky due to deepening water levels. Reversing wasimpossible, however, as their pick-up’s left rear wheelfound a hole, and water reached the engine compartmentand the cabin. An Atkis recovery truck from HQ 1 Coywas able to pull the vehicle free. The Yialias riverbedhas since changed course after very heavy rain and iscurrently impassable.

Flood In CGSAfter heavy storms and intense rain on 8 December, newstreams, rivers and lakes appeared in Famagusta’s CampGeneral Stefanik, making the main gate – the camp’slowest spot – accessible only for swimmers. The Opsbranch and COMCEN were also unpleasantly affected,with telephone lines cut for several hours. When theflood wave came, offices filled with 40 cm of waterwithin minutes, leaving a layer of silt behind. Thanks tothe effort of all disaster fighters, however, everything wasback to normal in record time.

7

Severe WeatherSweeps Across Cyprus

Flooding in Famagusta’sCamp General Stefanik

A quick-reaction solutionto flooding in Famagusta’s

Camp General Stefanik

Damaged surface of patrol trackin Sector 2’s area

Chief ofMission’s

New Year’sEve Tour

On New Year’s Eve, UNFICYPChief of Mission ZbigniewWlosowicz made a series of

unannounced visits to soldiers onduty at posts throughout the UNPA.He presented chocolates as a personalsign of appreciation to acknowledgetheir dedication and goodwill on thisvery special evening.

Some of the personnel on duty hadalso worked Christmas Eve. All whodid, whether one or both Eves, weresplendid ambassadors for their res-pective countries, and exemplifiedthe season’s spirit of goodwill. Itwill, indeed, be one that theyremember.

The Chief of Mission with soldierson duty at Foxtrot Gate

The Chief of Mission withmembers of the Force Military Police Unit

As the year 2001 drew to a close, UNFICYP hadthe pleasure of welcoming a number of VIPs tothe UNPA and to UNFICYP’s operations.

On 27 November 2001, Brig. J.B.A. Bailey MBEADC, Director Royal Artillery (seen below), met withthe Chief of Mission and the Force Commander, andpaid an office call to the Chief of Staff. He concludedhis UNFICYP HQ visit by spending time with the MFR.

The Irish Ambassador to Cyprus, H.E. Mr. JohnSwift (above), presented his credentials to the Presidentof the Republic on 26 November 2001, and paid his firstofficial visit to UNFICYP on 10 December 2001. Onhis arrival, he was greeted by the Chief of Staff beforeinspecting an MFR Honour Guard. Following meetingswith the Chief of Mission and the Force Commander, hewas briefed by the Chief of Staff.

Mr. Swift is the first Irish Ambassador to be assignedto Cyprus. UNFICYP and The Blue Beret wish himevery success on his new appointment.

VIP Visits to UNFICYP

8 January 2002 - The Blue Beret 9January 2002 - The Blue Beret

The departure of theAustrian Contingent in Junemarked the end of a 29-yearassociation with Famagusta

The departure of theAustrian Contingent in Junemarked the end of a 29-yearassociation with Famagusta

The Secretary-General and Mrs. Annanvisited Sesame Street in December

The Dutch Contingentended three years of service

with UNFICYP in June

The Dutch Contingentended three years of service

with UNFICYP in June

The Slovakian Contingenttook over from the Austrians in

June

Major-General Victory Ranatakes the salute at the end of

his tour as Force Commander

In January, UNFICYP soldiershelped with the greening of theBuffer Zone by planting trees

A highlight of UN Day was thebicommunal music evening

H.E. Mr Rauf Denktash, the TurkishCypriot leader, shakes hands with H.E.Mr. Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot

leader, at their historic 4 Decembermeeting at the Chief of Mission’s

residence in the UNPA

H.E. Mr Rauf Denktash, the TurkishCypriot leader, shakes hands with H.E.Mr. Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot

leader, at their historic 4 Decembermeeting at the Chief of Mission’s

residence in the UNPA

UNFICYP’s Chief of Missiondeclares the opening of the UN

Day celebrations

The Secretary-General visitedGround Zero with New York

City Mayor Giuliani and NewYork State Governor Pataki

The Secretary-General visitedGround Zero with New York

City Mayor Giuliani and NewYork State Governor Pataki

The two communities celebrate theFestival of Mutual Understanding

at the Ledra Palace in March

In April, UNFICYPcommemorated ANZAC Day

January 2002 - The Blue Beret January 2002 - The Blue Beret

The Secretary-General and Mrs. Annanvisited Sesame Street in December

The Slovakian Contingenttook over from the Austrians in

June

The Slovenian Contingentlowered its flag after four

years in UNFICYP

The Slovenian Contingentlowered its flag after four

years in UNFICYP

Major-General Victory Ranatakes the salute at the end of

his tour as Force Commander

In January, UNFICYP soldiershelped with the greening of theBuffer Zone by planting trees

A highlight of UN Day was thebicommunal music evening

UNFICYP’s Chief of Missiondeclares the opening of the UN

Day celebrations

Mr. Alvaro de Soto reading the 4 Decemberstatement announcing that Mr. Denktashand Mr. Clerides will begin direct talks

in mid-January

Mr. Alvaro de Soto reading the 4 Decemberstatement announcing that Mr. Denktashand Mr. Clerides will begin direct talks

in mid-January

The two communities celebrate theFestival of Mutual Understanding

at the Ledra Palace in March

In April, UNFICYPcommemorated ANZAC Day

The Secretary-General and Mrs.Annan meet the media on their

doorstep in New York afterlearning of the Nobel award

The Secretary-General and Mrs.Annan meet the media on their

doorstep in New York afterlearning of the Nobel award

FFor UNFICYP civilian andor UNFICYP civilian andmilitarmilitary personnel alike, they personnel alike, the

year 2001 bryear 2001 brought both sorrought both sorrowowand hope.and hope.

As we focused on our missionAs we focused on our missionof maintaining peace and stabilityof maintaining peace and stabilityon the island, and facilitating aon the island, and facilitating apolitical solution to the Cypruspolitical solution to the Cyprusprproblem, we also sharoblem, we also shared theed theworld’world’s shock at the terrs shock at the terroristoristattacks on September 1attacks on September 111thth. And. Andin Novemberin November, we shar, we shared the prideed the prideand prize as the 2001 Nobel Peaceand prize as the 2001 Nobel PeacePrize was awarded to the UN andPrize was awarded to the UN and

to Secrto Secretaretary-General Kofi Annan.y-General Kofi Annan.As we enter 2002, the events ofAs we enter 2002, the events of

2001 2001 – – including the decision toincluding the decision toconduct dirconduct direct talks herect talks here on thee on theisland island – – have served to deepenhave served to deepenour commitment to the goals ofour commitment to the goals ofthe UN, both in Cyprus andthe UN, both in Cyprus andararound the world. It is our hopeound the world. It is our hopethat the new year will bringthat the new year will bringgrgreater unity and under-eater unity and under-standing, between individualsstanding, between individualsand peoples, as well as betweenand peoples, as well as betweencountries, and indeed thrcountries, and indeed throughoutoughoutthe globe.the globe.

10 11January 2002 - The Blue Beret

The Sonic Blue Experience (TSBE) in Cyprus!

Promoting International Cooperation...Within The MFR!

UNFICYP Christmas Carol ServiceA Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Christmas Eve in Sector 4

Slovaks Celebrate Independence Day

As the only UN unit within Cyprus where you’llfind four different nationalities working togetherat section level, the Mobile Force Reserve (MFR)

is both a challenging and educational environment towork within.

The British component of the MFR, K (Hondeghem)Battery RA, has been endeavouring to carry on the workof 12 (Minden) Battery RA, whom they replacedeffective 6 December 2001. The MFR is certainly anenvironment that many of the British soldiers are new to,as they seldom experience such close working condi-tions with soldiers of other nations, including Argen-tinians, Hungarians and Slovaks, at a section level.

Despite this new experience, the close rapport thathas quickly formed within the MFR has only helped toimprove everyone’s understanding of each other – evenif the only form of communication at times is signlanguage.

International cooperation and coordination was high-lighted recently, when Slovak Platoon Commander 1/Lt.Pigula presented SSgt. Turton from K (Hondeghem) Btywith his new rank, soon after SSgt. Turton was promotedby his Battery Commander, Maj. R.M. Hayhurst.

The doors of the Holy CrossChurch, at Paphos Gate inNicosia, were once again

opened on Wednesday 19 Decemberfor the annual UNFICYP ChristmasCarol Service. Conducted by the threechaplains from Sectors 1, 2 and 4, theoccasion brought together all nation-alities within UNFICYP in a multi-denominational service with readings,prayers and songs in English, Hun-garian, Slovak and Spanish. The finalblessing by the three chaplains trulyexpressed the feeling of Christmas.

Of course, there was muchpreparation behind the scenes. Themulti-national carol service featuredthe Argentinian, Slovak, Hungarianand British contingents, with eachcontingent providing a choir toperform (or attempt) two hymns oftheir choice in front of the congre-gation. According to the BRITCONPadre, the previous British effort wassimilar to a football chant, and herequested we altered the image thisyear. The 32nd Regt RA Gp QuarterMaster – Capt Neil Ashford – threwhimself into the challenge enthusias-tically, and appointed himself the

“Choir Master”.The first practice in the Officers’

Mess, Wolseley Barracks, wassupported by 18 fervent albeit novicesingers of all ranks, and without anymusical accompaniment we launchedinto our first recital of “We ThreeKings”. Apparently it was not a badeffort for beginners, but the advicefrom the Choir Master was: lift yourdiaphragm, breathe, look up and pauseat the commas! The basses, baritones,tenors and sopranos were positionedtogether and, rather like drill, we allhad to remember our position withinthe “choir”. The second hymn, “Oncein Royal David’s City”, was clearlynot the choir’s favourite and the ChoirMaster believed that we never reallysang “City” with the same convictionas “Kings”! After numerous practices,the British entry for the carol servicebecame confident in their ability, butsomething was missing.

The Choir Master, who I think be-lieved we were auditioning for thenext round of Pop Idols, came up witha cunning plan to use the piper anddrummer, both on attachment with32nd Regt RA from the Full Time

Reserve Scheme. Their performancesounded fantastic and aided in ensur-ing the British contribution was animprovement on last year’s.

The choir sends their thanks toCapt Ashford for his continuing beliefand dedication. If anybody would liketo book the choir for any future eventsplease contact the Choir Master onExt. 148.

UNFICYP extends its thanks toFather Umberto Barato OFM andrepresentatives of the Holy CrossChurch for their cooperation and

assistance on this occasion.

The Sonic Blue Experience is a semi-professional rock and blues band based inthe Salisbury area of the UK. Three

members of the UK line-up are members of 32nd

Regiment RA, which is based in Larkhill (a largemilitary Garrison located on the edge of Salis-bury Plain). Even though only two memberswere due to deploy to Cyprus, it was agreed thatthe TSBE would survive, albeit with a slightlydifferent line-up.

After a great deal of talk with regard to musi-cal direction (“man”), and finding a rehearsalarea in the form of an old Nissan hut (“nice”),TSBE has been reformed in Cyprus. The newfaces in the band are: SSgt. Leo Downes, the leadvocalist; Bdr. Brett Hindle on bass guitar; andGnr. “H”, courtesy of the TA, on drums.

So what of the original pair from TSBE?There is Sgt. Richie Harris, simply one of thebest lead guitarists that you are likely to see.....yes, he’s that good, and not too far behind is Sgt.Barney Hall. Both have an on-stage musicalunderstanding that is only acquired after years ofplaying at the highest level. Following twoweeks of very committed rehearsals, the band played itsfirst gig to a home crowd at the Ledra Palace Hotel on NewYear’s Eve. Never an easy crowd to play to, or indeedimpress, 2002 was not only heralded for Sector 2 by aScottish piper, but also by rave reviews for TSBE.

The band is managed by the QM Sector 2, Capt NeilAshford, who can be reached on LPH ext. 148. Operationsallowing, the manager can be contacted to discuss venuesor indeed any musical project within the UN area. Musiclovers should not miss hearing The Sonic Blue Experience– the 32nd Regt RA Group Rock and Blues Band!

Slovak soldiers on the islandof Cyprus celebrated

Christmas Day – 24 December– in the same way as at home,with their big celebrationtaking place on the 24th, ratherthan the 25th.

At 1800 hours, CO Lt. Col.Kovac invited all soldiers tothe NCO’s Mess for a commonfestive dinner, which startedwith waffles with honey andgarlic (a traditional recipein Slovakia and Hungary),

followed by cabbage soup andspecial potato salad with fish,plus Cyprus brandy as anaperitif.

At 2100 hours, Padre Maj.Krchnavý presided at Christ-mas mass in the chapel atCamp General Stefanik inFamagusta.

Dinner and mass werefollowed by a party at theNCO’s Club, thus finishing theseasonal day with anotherspecial touch.

Slovakia, a small country in the heartof Europe, is protected by the

Carpathian mountain chain on threesides and by the Danube River from thesouth. Thanks to this strategic geo-graphical position, the country has beena cultural crossing of Europe forcenturies.

Though Slovakia has never had itsown royal family, it has had severalsplendid rulers – including the kingMatthias Corvinus, who became a heroof many tales, and the sovereign ofenlightenment, Maria Theresa, who wascrowned in St. Marti’s Cathedral inBratislava in 1741. In fact, 19 otherHungarian sovereigns were accom-panied by ceremonious fanfares on theCoronation Street in Bratislava between

1563 and 1830. In the revolutionaryperiod of 1848 to 1849, the Slovaksentered European history as anindependent, modern nation for the firsttime. In 1918 a new state – the Czecho-slovak republic – appeared on the map ofEurope. After a long cohabitation, thecommon state of Czech and Slovakpeacefully divided into two independentrepublics, and so, on 1 January 1993, theSlovak republic was created.

New Year’s Day is, therefore, Indepen-dence Day for the Slovak people. TheSlovak soldiers in Cyprus celebrated thisspecial day on 4 January in Dheriniavillage, in the company of invited guestsincluding the Slovak embassy repre-sentative in Cyprus, Mr. Dusan Rozbora,and some local dignitaries.

By Capt. L. Burt

January 2002 - The Blue Beret

Slovakian Platoon Commander 1/Lt. Pigula (left)presenting SSgt. Turton from K (Hondeghem) Bty

with his new rank

12 January 2002 - The Blue Beret

Sect

or 1

13January 2002 - The Blue Beret

In 1879, Argentina’s borderswith the territories of nativeSouth Americans were

scarcely 250 kilometres south ofBuenos Aires. Since this region –Patagonia – had not yet beenincorporated within the state, thearea was known for lawlessness.

Under these circumstances,Congress passed a bill calling fora military campaign. The opera-tions plan was master-minded bythen Defence Minister GeneralJulio Argentino Roca. At thesame time, another bill estab-lished the Patagonian Govern-ment with a capital in Carmen dePatagones.

The operations plan was two-fold. First, different columnsattacked simultaneously. Second,a full advance towards the line ofthe Negro river was made withfive columns proceeding from animaginary line that covered thedistance from Buenos Aires toMendoza.

The First Division, command-ed by Roca himself with GeneralConrado Excelso Villegas as hisChief of Staff, set off fromCarhue in Buenos Aires Province

towards the south, crossing theColorado River and reachingNegro River on 25 May 1879, theanniversary of the first nationalgovernment. There they set upheadquarters on Choele ChoelIsland. They then proceededacross the desert to the conflu-ence of the Neuquen and LimayRivers, in what is now NeuquenProvince.

As a result of this militarycampaign, the national govern-ment was able to effectivelyexercise its authority over thewhole country for the first time.The constant warfare came to anend, and the interior boundariesdisappeared. The land thusacquired by Argentina was usedmostly for agriculture and cattleraising, overcoming the persis-tent economic crisis.

The peace and safety of theterritory contributed to a rise inthe immigration flow that hadbegun by the middle of thecentury. Ranches were estab-lished where previously therehad been only open pampas, andnew cities were founded. Pata-gonia had definitively become

part of Argentina.The 6th Mountain Brigade

“Tte Grl Conrado ExcelsoVillegas” inherited the spirit ofthose “Conquerors of the Desert”,the troops who reached theNeuquen land in 1879. Thesoldiers of the Brigade, whichcomprises 20 percent ofARGCON’s 17th rotation, honourits name in their homeland aswell as on faraway peacekeepingmissions.

After completing a four-year computingdegree in the summer of 2001, I foundmyself at a bit of a loose end, and when the

opportunity arose to participate in the Full TimeReserve Service (FTRS) programme, I literallyjumped at the opportunity.

32 Regt RA had approached 101 Regt RA (V)for possible volunteers to assist them in theirforthcoming United Nations tour of Cyprus on OPTosca. This attachment would last for six months,from 6 December 2001 to 6 June 2002.

Prior to deployment, all FTRS personnel mustattend the Reserve Training and MobilisationCentre at Chilwell, near Nottingham. This traininglasted 14 days, and encompassed basic militaryskills, administration and finance. The aim is tomake the eventual deployment to the Regiment astrouble free as possible.

On 19 November, I deployed to 32 Regt RA atRoberts Barracks, Larkhill, where I was informedof my attachment to 74 Bty (The BattleaxeCompany). Once introductions were completed, itwas time to start the crowd control training. Thisproved to be fun, and also provided an excellentopportunity to get to know the members of IrishBridge Troop.

Following the completion of pre-deploymenttraining, which included a two-day battery-levelexercise, and a three-day regimental exercise onSalisbury Plain Training Area, the regiment began

its pre-deployment leave. Then, on 6 December,we left Larkhill on our short journey north to RAFBrize Norton. Here, we boarded our Egypt AirAirbus A321 bound for Larnaca, Cyprus.

Four and an half hours later, the Airbusdescended through heavy cloud, and toucheddown in Larnaca to cool temperatures and heavyrain. From here we were quickly transported toLedra Palace Hotel, the home of Sector 2, inNicosia. Once reunited with baggage, my journeycame to an end at Irish Bridge Troop House, inSector 2 West, my home for the next six months.

The first two weeks on UN Peacekeepingduties have been both interesting and varied.Duties have included patrolling, talking to theOpposing Forces, playing for the UN rugby team,and playing the bagpipes on ceremonial duties inNicosia.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will enjoymy time with 32 Regt RA Gp, and I look forwardwith great anticipation to the next five months inCyprus. In this time, I intend to experience all theopportunities a FTRS tour such as this has tooffer…and no doubt, will return to the UK with amuch broader range of skills and experience,aiding my future in the TA with 101(Northumbrian) Regt RA (V).

The Regiment had been in Cyprus for just threeweeks when the military chefs and hobbychefs had their culinary skills tested in an

inter-troop Christmas pudding competition.Everyone involved gave 100 per cent in bothenthusiasm and effort, and the standard producedwas a credit to them all. The opportunities for chefsto demonstrate their flair in a competitive settingare limited, because it is more practical and costeffective to buy ready-made meals.

The rules of the competition stipulated that allentries had to be based on a traditional Christmaspudding and be large enough to feed ten people.The troop houses abided by these rules with theexception of Ortona Troop, who gained extra marksfor originality by making a chocolate sauce, ratherthan brandy sauce. Bengal Troop really went totown, requiring fire equipment at hand just in casethe flambé experiment went slightly awry.

Judging the competition was difficult, but in theend the decision came down to Bengal Troop andCity Troop. Bengal Troop gained extra marks fortheir presentation, but City Troop pipped them tothe post by the effort and thought they appliedduring their preparation.

The role of the Hobby Chef cannot be under-estimated during operational tours, as together withthe military chefs they play an important part in thetroop houses.

6th Mountain Brigade:A Proud History

Reserve ServiceWith 32 Regt RA

in Cyprus

ChristmasPudding Competition:A Culinary Skills Test

By Lt. Col. A. Alvarez

Nobody knows where, when or to whom it couldoccur – but accidents, both ground and aerial,can happen. Together with the causes of an

accident, the chance of successfully helping the casual-ties depends on previous training in order to reduce liferisks and increase safety margins.

In Sector 1, that training is handled by the AirLiaison Officer Department (ALO) and a profes-sional staff. Together, they cover the Sector bymaintaining conditions of security for helicopteroperations. The training includes rescue proce-dures in minefield areas and in accident situations,first aid assistance, and ground or aerial evacuation(MEDEVAC) procedures. It also features routineprocedures including safety standard rules such aswritten take-off and landing instructions forpassengers.

It is widely known that – using best practices,often based on lessons learned – you will save themost lives. Sometimes how you achieve the steps inlifesaving is more important than speed, butoccasionally people who work on the line have notime for reactions: precision and rapid action incase of an accident in a rough scene is expected.

Thus, the main goal for Sector 1’s ALO team is

to provide a complete mechanism for helpingeveryone ON THE LINE. The team is composedof Capt. Dr. Gabriela Godoy (Arg. Marines), Capt.Miguel Del Castillo (Bolivian Army commando),SSgt. David Giménez (Arg. Air Force Para-rescue),Maj. Eduardo Fogliato (Arg. Air Force A4-ARfighter pilot) and WOII Alejandro López (Arg. AirForce Flight Engineer). All are dedicated tocarrying out their work so that the best possibleresult can be achieved should an accident occur.

Get Ready!By Lt. P. Lara

By LBdr. Keenleyside101 (Northumbrian) Regt RA (V)

Sector 2

The Argentine Task Force 18 executesa series of exercises led by S-3 of

Camp San Martin during the six-month tour

14 January 2002 - The Blue Beret

Rather an unusual photo above – Argentinianswho did not expect to be on “snow” duty. All

entries should be submitted to the PublicInformation Office by:

15 February

. Hairobics

. Couch potato exercises

. The ex-terminator (winner)

. Battle of the Biceps Bulge!

. Give me back the TV remote!

. And this, folks, concludes our anatomy lesson...

. I swear, it wasn’t there yesterday!

. Yikes... it was my right arm I had tattooed!

. The latest in Cyprus fashions.

. And this month’s centrefold...

. Make it stop!

. It’s the new diet – up three dress sizes in a week!

. The facial tics are a minor side effect. But lookat those muscles!

Caption Competition

Did you have a good rest over the holiday period?Some of you came up with very entertaining

captions, all of which are worth printing. As it sohappens, Brian Kelly is this month’s winner – we’rejust waiting to see what he wants as his prize....

Great football moments were the order ofthe day when Sector 4 organised a mini

(4-a-side) football tournament to recognizethe temperatures more suitable for sportingactivities. Six teams with almost 50 footballfanatics from SLOVCON, HUNCON andIRCON demonstrated their best sportingqualities, with each team carefully choosing aname such as Arcadia, Killer, Destroyers, andGladiator. The tennis court at Camp GeneralStefanik in Famagusta witnessed the matches,held each Saturday and Sunday between 17November and 2 December.

Although everybody wanted to win, all thematches were conducted in a very friendlyatmosphere – in pleasing contrast to the violencewe sometimes see between the professionals. Theoverall winner was the unbeaten Arcadia team,while the best player, scoring 17 goals, was Maj.

Horvath from the Destroyers team.At the end of the tournament, CO Sector 4 gave

awards for the first three teams and the best player,and invited all to a reception at the Officers’ Clubin Camp General Stefanik.

On Friday 21 December, UNFICYPhosted the 2001 Cyprus Services

Night Orienteering Championships,otherwise known as the Night OwlTrophy, with courses planned andorganised by Diana Bridger. Prizes werepresented by Sqn Ldr Mike Edwards,Chairman of Cyprus Services Orien-teering.

The overall Winning Team of theNight Owl Trophy 2001 (combined timeson A and B courses) was once again fromUNFICYP and consisted of Capt. AdamSpaul (A Course) from Sector Two, whoteamed up with Kyriakos Michaelidesfrom EDP (B Course). The “Under 18”winners on the C Course were Mark,Luke and Jessica Prendergast.

Sector 4 FootballCompetition

UNCIVPOL Day at the Races

UNFICYP Hosts NIGHT OWL Orienteering Event for 2001

By 1/Lt. L. Klíma

15January 2002 - The Blue Beret

I went into George’s bar to get a pint of beer,And old George ‘e up an’ sez: ‘it’s a two can rule in here!So up the stairs I went again, for loggin’ on’s a joke, But unsurprisingly once more, the bleedin’ lot was broke.

O it’s Ledra this, an’ Ledra that, and Ledra know noplight, But it’s saviour of the Palace, when the drums needpainting white!

I went into the Ops room, as quiet as can be, They gave a lazy line troop room, but’ and ’t none for me.They’ll stick me on the roof all day, and I’m never late, And when it comes to stagin’ on, that’s me on Gurkhagate!

For it’s Ledra this an’ Ledra that, an Ledra stopcomplainin’.But it’s ‘three cheers for Ledra Troop’, when the UnionJack needs changing.

We aren’t no council workers, nor we aren’t no gardenerstoo,But soldiers with a job to do, line troops just like you.An’ if sometimes you ask us, to paint or weed or tidy, Forgive us when we tell you straight, ‘we don’t stop workon Friday’.

While it’s Ledra this an’ Ledra that, an’ Ledra don’t youstop!But it’s ‘quick boys, fetch the Ledra lads!’, when thegrannies start a COP!

LEDRA… (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling)Sport

On Boxing Day, 26 Decem-ber, UNCIVPOL hosted

another of its popular days at theraces at the Nicosia RaceCourse. Warm, sunny conditionsprevailed and the 140 guestsparticipated in the socialactivities with enthusiasm.Entrance to the course includedthe use of an exclusive marqueecomplete with tote, TV monitorsand bar.

All recipients were servedwith a buffet lunch and somedrinks. Prizes included bettingvouchers, bottles of wine andtwo Christmas hampers. A greatday was had by all, thanks espe-cially to Diana Bridger’s efforts.

While it’s Ledra this an’ Ledra that....