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#mineExplosion; #warcrime; #EgyptianPeacekeeper; #MINUSMA Mali (Egypt), Apr 21 (UN/Canadian-Media): An improvised roadside mine which exploded hitting a UN peacekeeping convoy in Mali, killing one ‘blue helmet’ from Egypt, and wounding four others, may constitute a war crime, the UN Chief said on Saturday, as senior UN officials condemned the blast, UN reports said. 
MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko: MINUSMA troops based in Kidal in the extreme north of Mali, ensure the security of the camp, and also the safety of the civilian population
Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement on Saturday night in New York, giving details of the deadly bombing, which took place against a convoy of vehicles in central Mali, close to the border with Burkina Faso, belonging to the UN Mission, MINUSMA. The vehicles were en route between Douentza and Boni, in the Mopti region.
“MINUSMA peacekeepers responded, killing an assailant and apprehending eight others,” said the UN chief, in the message issued by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. “The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government of Egypt. He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.” Attacks “targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law”, the statement continued, and Mr. Guterres called on the Malian authorities to take “swift action to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice.”
On Twitter, UN peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also issued his heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier noting that he and his colleagues from Egypt were “performing the critical task of protecting convoys”.
MINUSMA’s mandate from the Security Council began after extremist militias seized control of northern Mali in 2012, which following a failed coup, were repulsed by French military action the following year. A UN-backed peace agreement in 2015 signed between the Government and various armed groups, failed to stabilize the febrile central and northern regions of the northwest African country. Earlier this week, according to news reports, the Prime Minister resigned together with his cabinet in the capital Bamako, in the face of widespread criticism from across the political spectrum, over the failure to make inroads against the continuing violence to the north. Since 2013 when MINUSMA deployed, more than 190 peacekeepers have died in Mali, including close to 120 killed during hostilities. The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the latest casualties “will not diminish the resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and the Government of Mali in their quest for peace and stability.”
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#UnitedNations; #explosions; #SriLanka; #Easter; #terrorattacks United Nations, Apr 21 (UN/Canadian-Media): More than 200 have been killed and hundreds injured by a series of explosions inside churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, as Christians gathered for services to celebrate Easter, UN reports said. 
World Bank/Dominic Sansoni: Village shop at dusk in Sri Lanka lit by solar panels
In a statement, UN chief António Guterres said he was "outraged by the terror attacks" and called for the perpetrators to be "swiftly brought to justice".
According to news reports, three churches were targeted, in the cities of Batticaloa, Negombo, and the capital, Colombo. The Shangri-La, Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand and another hotel, all in the capital, were also hit. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for carrying out the likely suicide bombings, but police have reportedly arrested seven people in connection with the attacks. The Secretary-General said in a statement that on what was "a sacred day for Christians around the world", he recalled "the sanctity of all places of worship". The statement issued by his Spokesperson said the UN chief "expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of Sri Lanka, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured". Guterres commends Sri Lankan leadership, and 'unity of the people' He also commended "the leadership demonstrated by the authorities and unity of the people in Sri Lanka in the wake of the attacks" In a tweet, the UN’s Resident Coordinator for the Indian Ocean island, Hanaa Singer, said the UN "strongly condemns the horrific attacks carried out against civilians and worshippers...Heartfelt condolences to the families, victims, Government and people”. She also urged Sri Lankans to stand united” in the face of the carnage. The President of the UN General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, also expressed her “deep sadness” in a tweet, saying that her thoughts were with the people of Sri Lanka, “affected by yet another act of senseless violence”. “We must unite in our common humanity to condemn these heinous acts and stop targetting innocent people, practicing their faith in peace”, she added.
Sir Lanka’s bloody 26-year civil war waged between Government forces and Tamil separatists in the north, ended in 2009 with the defeat of the rebels, and in the years since, there has been sporadic violence, some targeting religious minorities. The island is home to around 1.5 million Christians, the vast majority Roman Catholic. The Singhalese majority are Buddhist – around 70 per cent of the population - with sizeable Hindu and Muslim minorites also. In response to Sunday’s attacks, a national curfew has been put in place, and social media networks have reportedly been blocked. Eye witness reports from St. Sebastian’s church in Negombo describe a scene of carnage, with dozens killed. There were also heavy casualties at St. Anthony’s in the Kochckicade district of Colombo, where the first blast detonated. Pope Francis, in his Easter Address outside St. Peter’s in Rome, reportedly expressed his “affectionate closeness” for the Christian community in Sri Lanka which had been struck while gathering for one of its biggest celebrations of the year, and his thoughts to “all the victims of such cruel violence”
UN chief Guterres, concluded his statement reiterating the "supprt and solidarity of the United Nations, with the people and the Government of Sri Lanka, in this difficult moment for the nation." Service and Sacrifice: Ugandan 'Blue Helmets' support UN efforts to bring peace to Somalia4/20/2019 United Nations, Apr 20 (Canadian-Media): A contingent of 530 Ugandan “Blue Helmets” (63 women, 467 men) is playing a crucial role in the United Nations’ (UN) efforts to help bring peace and stability to Somalia, UN reports said. 
UN Photo/Ilyas Ahmed: A female Ugandan soldier serving under the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) scans the horizon through a pair of binoculars while on duty at a security tower in Mogadishu, Somalia.
They make up the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), that is tasked with protecting UN compounds in Mogadishu in order to assist the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to carry out their mandate.
The job does not come without risks. An attack on the United Nations compound in Somalia in January this year is “still fresh in our minds” according to the commander of Ugandan peacekeepers who are tasked with protecting the base and its personnel. Seven mortars landed inside the compound in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on New Year’s Day, injuring two UN staff members and one contractor. The group, Al-Shabaab, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. This was a “notable indirect mortar attack shelling of United Nations compound within Mogadishu International Airport,” said Colonel Stuart R. Agaba, the commander of the UNGU.
UN Photo/Ilyas Ahmed: The Commander of the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, Colonel Stuart Agaba speaks during an interview in Mogadis. The Commander of the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, Colonel Stuart Agaba speaks during an interview in Mogadishu. “UNGU responded immediately by adopting a counter infiltration - defensive posture and was more than ready to fend off any follow-up attack,” added Colonel Agaba. “Female soldiers, both rank and file,” are a key element of the UNGU as they “give hope to women and children of the host country”Colonel Agaba, UNGU That includes deterring and protecting UN personnel and infrastructure against armed attack including patrolling inside and in the immediate vicinity of UN compounds. The Ugandan peacekeepers are also trained to provide a “rapid extraction and evacuation capability for UN personnel.” Perilous The UN describes the security situation in Somalia as “volatile” and recently in Mogadishu there has been “a spike in reported activities,” by terrorist organizations. According to Colonel Agaba, the Ugandan peacekeepers are working in a “in perilous operational environment,” that “oscillates between medium to high risk.” The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) has been providing troops for the UNGU since 2015; this is the fifth rotation of forces who serve for one year. This is a “new experience for men and women of the UPDF,” said Colonel Agaba. “They have a myriad of experiences, they learn endurance, how to manage stress and get to understand how the UN works,” he added. Women UN Photo/Ilyas Ahmed A female Ugandan soldier serving under the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, searches a vehicles at a checkpoint in Mogadishu. Currently, there are 63 women serving in the contingent. “Female soldiers, both rank and file,” are a key element of the UNGU as they “give hope to women and children of the host country,” said Colonel Agaba. The female officers are deployed in a range of roles including commanding troops, search and security and other guard duties and play a key role in the Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC). Pan-Africanist ideology Somalia is a near neighbour of Uganda’s in East Africa and according to Colonel Agaba, his country’s contribution to peacekeeping “stems from a pan-Africanist ideology in which Uganda has made and continues to make sacrifices for Somalia’s quest for peace, prosperity and stability.” And as the commanding officer Colonel Agaba believes that “ensuring that UNGU officers, men and women, effectively carry out mandated operations with utmost compliance to UN principles, makes our contribution to UN global peace efforts a gratifying experience.” #Ebola; #WHO; #DRC; #security; #MinistryofHealthofDRC Geneva, Apr 20 (Canadian-Media): Dr Richard Valery Mouzoko Kiboung, an epidemiologist deployed by World Health Organisation (WHO) in the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was killed yesterday in an attack on Butembo University Hospital, WHO reports said.
Two other persons were injured in the attack but are believed to be in a stable condition.
“I and all of WHO are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and brother Dr Mouzoko. He put himself on the frontline to save lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We grieve with his family and friends at this very difficult time.” “This is a tragic reminder of the risks health workers take every day to protect the lives and health of others. We are outraged by this attack: health workers and health facilities must never be targets.” The attack took place during a coordination meeting being held at the hospital at that time. “We are assessing the security situation to ensure the safety of all patients, health workers and Ebola responders”, said Dr Tedros. “At the same time, we remain committed to continue supporting the Ministry of Health of DRC to end this outbreak as quickly as possible.” As fighting in Libya escalates, so does number of children ‘at imminent risk of injury or death’4/18/2019 #UnitedNations; #migrantchildren; #Libya United Nations, Apr 18 (Canadian-Media): In and around Tripoli, an increasing number of children are “at imminent risk of injury or death” two senior United Nations officials warned on Thursday, citing a surge of aggression in crisis-torn Libya. 
UNICEF/Romenzi: Migrant children walk outside a detention centre located in Tripoli, Libya
General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, which controls much of eastern and southern Libya, has waged a two-week military campaign to take Tripoli from fighters loyal to the UN-recognized Government.
Calling the escalation in fighting “the worst in years”, Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, issued a statement reminding all of Libya’s warring parties that they are obliged “to protect children at all times in full compliance with international law”. “Killing, injuring and recruiting children, and attacks on education, medical and water facilities are all grave violations of children’s rights and must cease immediately”, they stated – reminding that in line with Security Council resolution 2427, “prevention measures must be put in place to better protect children”. Together they also urged for “safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all children in need, and for a ceasefire to allow civilians to safely leave areas under conflict”.
Children caught in the middle Nearly 1,800 children are among the civilians who need urgently to be evacuated from frontline fighting, as the raging violence has already displaced 7,300 others, the two UN officials said. Moreover, around 500,000 children are estimated to be affected by violence across the country’s west. “Children trapped in conflict areas are at risk of running out of food and losing access to medical care” they explained. “Unable to leave these areas, they cannot safely seek protection or assistance”. Pointing out that the violence has also left nearly 1,000 refugee and migrant children held in detention centres “in grave danger”, Mses. Fore and Gamba stressed that “they should be immediately released and provided with safe shelter until their asylum claims can be processed or they can be provided with safe repatriation assistance for reunification with their families”. For their sake, and the sake of the country’s future, the fighting must stop – UN officials “The principle of non-refoulement must be respected”, they maintained, underscoring that unaccompanied minors, many of whom are in transit, “are at risk of grave violations including recruitment and use, sexual violence or abduction”. The fighting is also depriving children of their right to education. The two UN officials detailed that the academic year has not only been suspended in all schools throughout conflict-affected areas, but seven are acting as shelters for displaced families. Additionally, a recent attack on an education warehouse destroyed five million schoolbooks and national school exam results. “Libya has suffered through more than seven years of persistent conflict that has left at least 820,000 people, including some 250,000 children, in dire need of humanitarian assistance”, the UN officials stressed, “and the situation is deteriorating yet again”. “For their sake, and the sake of the country’s future, the fighting must stop,” concluded Mses. Fore and Gamba. #UnitedNations; UNSecurityCouncil; #Talibanmilitants; #Afghanistan; #UNAssistanceMissioninAfghanistan; #UNAMA United Nations, Apr 17 (Canadian-Media): The United Nations (UN) Security Council has condemned the announcement by Taliban militants in Afghanistan of its spring offensive, saying it will result in more “unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people”. 
Photo: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA): Cover of a UNAMA report paints a picture of a deliberate campaign of violence and intimidation conducted by the Taliban.
Recognizing citizens’ “strong desire for sustainable peace in Afghanistan”, the Council underscored that “calls for more fighting will not advance the goal of making a sustainable peace”.
According to news reports, the announcement, which came as the UN lifted travel bans on the Taliban’s senior leaders to facilitate United States-led peace talks, signals that although negotiations are gaining momentum, fighting is likely to intensify around the country. “Seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement”, the Security Council urged all parties to the conflict.
Number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, 2009-2018., by UNAMA report The Council members reiterated “the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led and-owned peace process for the long-term prosperity and stability” of the country and expressed their “full support for the Afghan Government’s efforts to that end”. “The members of the Security Council reiterated that, as mandated by the Security Council, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General stand ready to provide their good offices to support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, if requested by and in close consultation with the Afghan Government”, they concluded. The cost of violence In February, UNAMA released devastating figures showing the direct impact of the conflict on civilians, with 3,804 deaths recorded last year, the highest number since the UN started keeping records ten years ago. In addition, 7,189 people were injured in 2018, five per cent more than in 2017. “But even these figures do not capture the full human cost of the war,” the UN Special Representative in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, informed the Council last month – noting that over half the population of the country lives under the poverty line and that 13.5 million people “survive on less than one meal a day,” which was compounded by last year’s severe drought. At the same time, Afghanistan’s presidential election, originally due to take place this coming weekend, has been pushed back twice, from April to July, and most recently to September. UN rights chief Bachelet concerned of deaths in demonstration; appeals for dialogue in Sudan4/9/2019
#Sudan; #Human Rights, #Michelle Bachelet; #protesters; UN;
#PresidentOmaral-Bashir Sudan, Apr 9 (Canadian-Media): Sudan’s authorities have an “over-arching responsibility” to protect protesters, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said today, amid reports that 70 people have died in the latest anti-Government clashes. 
Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights/ UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre
The UN rights chief’s comments follow concerns about the reported use of tear gas and live ammunition by security forces against demonstrators in mass-protests that began last December, over rising food and fuel prices and deteriorating living standards. According to news reports, heavy gunfire was heard outside the Sudanese army headquarters today, where thousands of protesters have been staging a sit-in over the past three days, calling for an end to President Omar al-Bashir’s three-decade rule.
We are again calling on the Government and security forces to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected - Ravina Shamdasani, OHCHR Spokesperson for the High Commissioner (OHCHR), Ravina Shamdasani, reiterated Ms. Bachelet’s “serious concern at the use of excessive force” by Sudanese security forces, adding that her office had documented “many killings” since the situation deteriorated. “Clearly a lot of people have died,” Ms. Shamdasani said, noting how difficult it was to verify numbers, or who was responsible, since various parts of the country’s security forces appeared to be “taking different sides”. “We have been in touch with the authorities and they have actually invited our office to visit and we are in discussions with them about this,” she said. “We are again calling on the Government and security forces to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and the right to freedom of expression is respected, and that a genuine dialogue is undertaken to resolve this very complex situation with very real economic and social grievances of the public.” The High Commissioner’s appeal follows the announcement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday, that he was following the demonstrations in Sudan “closely” In a statement, Mr. Guterres appealed to all actors to exercise “utmost restraint and avoid violence”, while also calling for the release of detained protesters. While affirming that the United Nations “stands ready to support any efforts agreed by the Sudanese to peacefully resolve the current crisis”, the Secretary-General further called on the Government of the Sudan to create a “conducive environment for a solution to the current situation and to promote an inclusive dialogue”.
#UnitedNations; #AntónioGuterres; United Nations, Apr 5 (Canadian-Media): António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, left Libya, North Africa, on Friday voicing his hope that the divided country can “avoid a bloody confrontation” in and around the capital Tripoli, media reports said. 
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during his visit to the Libyan capital, Tripoli (April 2019)/UN/Mohammed Omar Omar
António Guterres flew to Libya’s second city of Benghazi earlier in the day, in the hopes of helping avert military clashes between forces loyal to the internationally-recognized Government, and those loyal to Commander Khalifa Haftar, who leads the Libyan National Army (LNA), and controls much of the east of the fractured, oil-rich country, through a parallel administration.
According to news reports, the Commander’s forces, have been pushing south and westwards in recent days, and had advanced to around 80 kilometres south of the capital by Thursday, reportedly skirmishing with forces allied to the Government. LNA-allied forces were also reportedly active to the west of the capital, attempting to close the road to Tunisia. The UN chief met General Haftar in Benghazi in the middle of Friday, tweeting beforehand his forceful declaration that “there is no military solution for the Libyan crisis, only a political one.” Following their meeting, the Secretary-General made brief remarks to waiting journalists, saying he was leaving Libya “with a deep concern and a heavy heart. I still hope it will be possible to avoid a bloody confrontation in and around Tripoli.”
He said that the UN would “remain available to facilitate any political solution able to unify the Libyan institutions. Whatever happens, the UN will remain committed, and I will remain committed, to support the Libyan people”, he added, emphasizing that “Libyans deserve peace, security, prosperity and the respect of their human rights.” He said that the UN would “remain available to facilitate any political solution able to unify the Libyan institutions. Whatever happens, the UN will remain committed, and I will remain committed, to support the Libyan people”, he added, emphasizing that “Libyans deserve peace, security, prosperity and the respect of their human rights.” On Friday afternoon, the UN Security Council was briefed behind closed doors in New York on the latest situation by the head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ghassan Salamé, who is also Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the country. Following those talks, Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, of Germany, Council President for the month, told reporters informally that the 15-member body’s members are “deeply concerned” at the military activity near Tripoli, “which risks Libyan stability” and threatens the UN-backed efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis. He said the Council called for LNA forces to halt military activities, and for an end to all such activities in the area. “The is no military solution,” said Ambassador Heusgen, adding that Council members stressed they planned to hold accountable those responsible for any further conflict. “Council members reiterated their support for the Secretary-General and [Mr. Salamé] and called on all parties to pursue the path of dialogue and engage with the UN political process,” he said, adding that the Council also called for the safety and security of UN staff and reminded all parties of their obligations under international law. ‘Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political solution’On Thursday, the UN chief held meetings in the Libya capital, Tripoli, with senior Government politicians, to discuss the UN-backed Libyan National Conference due to take place later this year, following wide consultations across the country. At a press conference, Mr. Guterres said a “Libyan-led and Libyan owned political solution” to resolve years of instability and insecurity there, was essential. It is hoped that the Conference on the fractured nation’s political future, could finally end years of turmoil following the removal from power, and death of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. Libyans “have suffered too much and deserve to live in a normal country with normal political institutions, with peace, security and prosperity,” said Mr. Guterres, adding that “the UN has no agenda and no interests in relation to Libya but one: the welfare of the Libyan people, the peace in the country, and the possibility to live in a normal democracy and to take profit of the enormous wealth of the country to benefit its citizens.” It is not through foreign intervention that we are going to solve the problems of any country”, he added, “and so it’s important that that principle also applies to Libya. Following the movement of military convoys under the command of Mr. Haftar from the east towards the capital, reported early on Thursday, the UN chief made a “strong appeal” for de-escalation and an end to any deployments by any military factions inside Libya. After meeting Mr. Serrraj, he said, “we share the recognition that there is no military solution for any problem in the world, and there is no military solution for the problems in Libya. The solution must be political, and it is essential that a political solution is very strong, through dialogue.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres visiting a detention centre for refugees and migrants inTripoli, Libya (April 2019). UN Social Media/Karin Orantes‘Shocked by level of suffering’ in detention centreThe UN chief also described how he had been “moved and shocked” after visiting a detention centre for refugees and migrants in Tripoli on Thursday: “(I was) shocked by the level of suffering, and especially by the level of despair that I found. This is, of course, not only a responsibility for Libya, it’s a responsibility for the whole of the international community”, he added. 
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visiting a detention centre for refugees and migrants inTripoli, Libya (April 2019)/ UN Social Media/Karin Orantes
#peacekeeping; #UN; #Argenita; #JorgeFriasBarrera; #UNSecurityCouncil; #UnitedNationsPeacekeepingForceinCyprus; #UNFICYP; #Cyprus; #GreekCypriot; #TurkishCypriot; #policepeacekeepers; #civilianpeacekeepers; #Argentinianpeacekeepers; #ArgentinianNationalGendarmerie; #Argentinianmarindcorps; #Argentiniancivilcorps United Nations, Apr 5 (Canadian-Media): A senior commander from Argentina, who has been deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, has said that serving the UN is a “great opportunity” to develop professionally and personally. Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Frias Barrera speaks from experience. He is on his second tour of duty to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and plays a key role as the current Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, in supporting the Force Commander who leads the military component in the mission. “Serving here is a great opportunity to develop, to meet other professionals, to know a mission that has many challenges and to get to know other cultures and another country. I am proud to serve the UN and my country,” he said.  Image Credit: UNFICYP/Katarina Zahorska: UNFICYP peacekeepers from Argentina deployed to the mission's UN Flight unit conduct regular helicopter patrols along the buffer zone Currently, a total of 269 peacekeepers from Argentina—246 men and 23 women—including Lieutenant Colonel Barrera who is stationed at the mission’s headquarters in Nicosia, are deployed to UNFICYP. UNFICYP was mandated by the UN Security Council in 1964 to prevent fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island and to bring about a return to normal conditions. "I encountered intruders inside the buffer zone and warned them that they were inside the zone without authorization. A shot was fired and it passed directly by me, so fortunately, I was not injured, " said Lieutenant Colonel Barrera. It is one of the smaller UN peacekeeping missions, where just over 1,000 military, police and civilian peacekeepers, are deployed. The Argentinian contingent is stationed in what is known as Sector One of the mission within the buffer zone dividing the island, which covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers from Kokkina village on the western coast of Cyprus to the village of Mammari, west of Nicosia. Argentinian peacekeepers from Sector One carry out regular foot and vehicle patrols in order to maintain the military status quo and prevent any escalation of tensions between the opposing forces deployed along the buffer zone. Furthermore, a specialized air unit of Argentinian personnel operates three helicopters to conduct air patrols along the buffer zone and provide logistical support for UNFICYP operations as well as emergency assistance such as medical evacuations.  UNFICYP/Katarina Zahorska: Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Frias Barrera of Argentina Currently, a total of 269 peacekeepers from Argentina—246 men and 23 women—including Lieutenant Colonel Barrera who is stationed at the mission’s headquarters in Nicosia, are deployed to UNFICYP. UNFICYP was mandated by the UN Security Council in 1964 to prevent fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island and to bring about a return to normal conditions. "I encountered intruders inside the buffer zone and warned them that they were inside the zone without authorization. A shot was fired and it passed directly by me, so fortunately, I was not injured." said Lieutenant Colonel Barrera It is one of the smaller UN peacekeeping missions, where just over 1,000 military, police and civilian peacekeepers, are deployed. The Argentinian contingent is stationed in what is known as Sector One of the mission within the buffer zone dividing the island, which covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers from Kokkina village on the western coast of Cyprus to the village of Mammari, west of Nicosia. Argentinian peacekeepers from Sector One carry out regular foot and vehicle patrols in order to maintain the military status quo and prevent any escalation of tensions between the opposing forces deployed along the buffer zone. Furthermore, a specialized air unit of Argentinian personnel operates three helicopters to conduct air patrols along the buffer zone and provide logistical support for UNFICYP operations as well as emergency assistance such as medical evacuations.  UNFICYP/Katarina Zahorska: An UNFICYP peacekeeper takes part in a routine patrol along the buffer zone in Cyprus While the overall situation in Cyprus remains stable, UNFICYP has observed and reported an increase in the number of violations of the military status quo in the last six months of 2018. Lieutenant Colonel Barrera experienced one such violation during his first deployment to UNFICYP in 1996. "I encountered intruders inside the buffer zone and warned them that they were inside the zone without authorization. A shot was fired and it passed directly by me, so fortunately, I was not injured.” A total of 16,000 Argentinian military personnel have served with UNFICYP since 1993, staying for six month rotations. Those personnel have come from the Army, the Marine Corps, the Air Force as well as security forces of the Argentinian National Gendarmerie. Since 1958, Argentina has contributed more than 40,000 military and police personnel to more than 30 UN missions. In recent years, the country collaborated with four missions under the UN flag: Haiti, Cyprus, Western Sahara and the Middle East, and has contributed military observers in Colombia, following the peace agreement in the South American country. lobally, a total of 26 Argentinian peacekeepers have lost their lives serving the United Nations since 1948.
#UnitedNations; #UN; AbdelazizBouteflika; #AntónioGuterres; #democratictransition
United Nations, Apr 3 (Canadian-Media): In the wake of the resignation in Algeria of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday saluted “the mature and calm nature” of protests involving hundreds of thousands of citizens who took to the streets peacefully in recent weeks, to express “their desire for change.” 
The flag of Algeria (ctre) flying at United Nations headquarters in New York/UN Photo Loey Felipe
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, António Guterres took note of the 82-year-old president’s decision to resign, after 20 years in power. Mr. Bouteflika announced in late February, that he would seek a fifth term in office, despite rarely being seen in public since suffering a stroke, in 2013.
Several days ago, the wheelchair-bound leader reportedly reversed his decision, after weeks of peaceful protests in which hundreds-of-thousands of Algerians took to the streets, calling for him to go, and for others in the political elite to step down. “The Secretary-General salutes the mature and calm nature in which the Algerian people have been expressing their desire for change”, said the statement from Mr. Guterres. “He looks forward to a peaceful and democratic transition process that reflects the wishes of the Algerian people.” National elections are scheduled for the end of this month.
In the capital, Algiers, on Tuesday night, tens-of-thousands took to the streets in celebration at the news, which Mr. Bouteflika delivered to the nation, via a live television broadcast. A few hours earlier, the chief of the Algeria’s armed forces, had called on him to leave office immediately, declaring him incapable of carrying out his duties, according to news reports. “The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting Algeria in its process of democratic transition”, the statement concluded.
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