The presence of UNFICYP in Cyprus is necessary as long as the illegal military occupation of our island continues, Defence Minister Haralambos Petrides said on Tuesday during a visit to the memorial to fallen Austrian peacekeepers in Kosice, accompanied by his Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner. He also expressed the appreciation and gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus for Austria's participation in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
For her part, Tanner described the three Austrian soldiers who lost their lives in Kosice as heroes and noted that it is important and necessary for her country to help and ensure stability in the event of crises in various countries, in missions of both the European Union and the UN.
In his speech, the Defence Minister welcomed his Austrian counterpart and her delegation to Cyprus, referred to the presence of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, as well as the 1974 Turkish invasion, noting that its tragic consequences "are evident on the island to this day". "After the Turkish invasion, the Security Council adopted a series of resolutions extending UNFICYP's mandate, including the supervision of the de facto ceasefire that came into force in 1974," he said.
During these tragic events, the Defence Minister continued, "on 14 August 1974, three Austrian blue berets unfortunately lost their lives at this point, following an attack by Turkish fighter aircraft."
Petrides also stated that "we are here today at this humble ceremony to pay respect and honour the three Austrian soldiers Johann Izay, Paul Decombe and August Isak, as well as all Austrian peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives serving UNFICYP in the name of peace. We pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice and may their memory be eternal."
Addressing his Austrian counterpart, the Defence Minister called on her to accept the appreciation and gratitude of the Government and people of the Republic of Cyprus for her country's participation in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus. We also honour and pay tribute to the UN personnel worldwide who lost their lives serving human values, promoting peace and prosperity," he said.
In his speech, the Defence Minister also referred to Resolution 2618, adopted on 27 January 2022 by the Security Council, which renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus for another six months as a result of the illegal Turkish invasion, the ongoing occupation and Turkey's refusal to enter into meaningful negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem."
He also noted that keeping in mind the new generation, "we envision a free and united Cyprus, a common homeland for all its legitimate citizens, regardless of their ethnic origin. To this end, UNFICYP has played an absolutely crucial role in the work of maintaining peace on the island," he said, adding that "the benefits of its work cannot be overstated and its presence remains indispensable as long as the illegal military occupation of our island continues."
For her part, the Austrian Defence Minister said that on 14 August 1974, four Austrian UN peacekeepers tried, in vain, to prevent an attack on the village of Kossi, mediating in vain between the National Guard and Turkish Cypriots. "The soldiers withdrew and continued to observe the situation as required by their orders," he said."
He added that "hours later a National Guard attack on the village of Kossiy was followed by an overflight of a Turkish fighter jet, which dropped its bombs on the vehicle used by the UN soldiers and on the soldiers themselves, who were trying to take cover. In this attack three of the four soldiers lost their lives, three peacekeepers, three heroes, Lieutenant Johann Izay, Sergeant Major Paul Decombe and Corporal August Isak."
It was they, he continued, "who sought a peaceful solution and gave their lives in the service of peace. The goal of the Republic of Austria was and will always be to bring peace to countries torn by conflict," he said, noting that "no one wanted these brave soldiers to lose their lives. However, she noted, "Austria's armed forces were not afraid and their will, bravery and professionalism ensure that Austrian soldiers will always do their duty in the service of peace."
According to Ms. Tanner, "over the past 62 years, more than 100.000 soldiers and civilian personnel have contributed to world peace by serving in more than 100 international peace support and humanitarian missions."
She also noted that "despite the pandemic, to which the Austrian Armed Forces have repeatedly been called upon to contribute, we must not forget security in Europe and beyond. One thing is certain," he said, adding that "security in Europe has deteriorated. That is why the deployment of Austrian Armed Forces personnel on European Union and UN missions is indispensable."
Missions like these, he continued, "show how important it is for Austria to help and ensure stability in the event of crises."
The Austrian Defence Minister expressed thanks to "all soldiers and civilians who actively contribute to world peace in very difficult situations, often risking their lives. They maintain Austria's reputation as a reliable peacemaker in countries plagued by disasters, wars or desolation and are heroes," he concluded.
After the speeches, wreaths were laid by the Cyprus and Austrian Defence Ministers and by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, followed by a minute's silence in memory of the fallen.
After the speeches, a wreath-laying ceremony was held by the Cyprus and Austrian Defence Ministers and by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, followed by a minute's silence in memory of the fallen.
Among those present were the Austrian Ambassador to Cyprus and the Commander of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, while the National Guard Symphony Orchestra played during the short ceremony.
Source: CNA
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