Challenges in a New WorldThe United Nations and Secretary-GeneralKofi Annan will receive the Nobel Prize forPeace in Oslo in December, the close of aturbulent last quarter in this troubling year2001. During these past three months wehave seen the instrumentality of the UN,which had come increasingly into its ownsince the end of the Cold War, face new andunprecedented challenges.

When we turned the corner of the 21st centuryto enter the new millennium, expectationswere high, buoyed by the much-heraldedpanacea of globalization. Everyone’s vessel --liferaft or liner -- was supposed to float a littlehigher as the economic waters of prosperityspread.

But, as we all know, the world we live inchanged on September 11th. Three monthsago, who would have thought the Blue Beretwould be running an article on how to dealwith the threat of anthrax! It just underscoreshow a sense of fragility and vulnerability nowimbues even the most routine of ouractivities.

True, the international community is makinga determined drive to forge the fight againstthe undemocratic forces of stealth andterrorism.

But the Secretary-General has said the UN isthe common house of humankind in itsentirety. If we are to preserve this house, wemust be sure to address the underlyinggrievances that can fester in a climate ofneglect where only poverty and want flourish.The struggle for human dignity and humansecurity must go forward hand in hand.Otherwise, we are all the losers.

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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 Team

Brian Kelly

Maj. Dezső Kiss

Miriam Taylor

Photography

MSgt. Michal Zurbola

Contingent Photographers

Unit Press Officers

Sector 1 Maj. Alejandro Alvarez

Sector 2 Capt. Anna Fox

Sector 4 Lt. Luboš Klíma

UNCIVPOL Garda Martin Hennigan

Supt. Romeo Gyergyak

UN Flt Capt. Fernando Valentich

MFR Capt. Fernando Mendez

FMPU 1/Lt. Gerard Verhulst

The Blue Beret is the in-housejournal of the United NationsPeacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Theviews expressed are those of theauthors concerned, and do notnecessarily conform with officialpolicy.

Articles of general interest areinvited from all members of theForce. Photographs, together withcaptions, should accompany thearticles.

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.

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Front Cover:

The Nobel Peace Prize

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

October 2001 - The Blue Beret

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October 2001 - The Blue Beret 3

Following the recent outbreak of anthrax, and thethreat of more such outbreaks in various parts of theglobe, the World Health Organisation has circulateddetails on how to fight the disease and on the protectivemeasures to be taken. HQ UNFICYP has distributedsimilar circulars covering the points below:Q. What is anthrax?A. Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillusanthracis. It has existed for hundreds of years and still occursnaturally in both animals and humans in many parts of theworld, including Asia, southern Europe, sub-Sahelian Africaand parts of Australia. Anthrax bacteria can survive in theenvironment by forming spores. In its most common naturalform, it creates dark sores on the skin, from which it derivesits name (anthrax is Greek for coal).Q. How can I find out what's happening right now?

A. The World Health Organisation posts updated situationreports on its website (www.who.int) whenever there is anoutbreak of anthrax or any other infectious disease.Q. How could I be infected by anthrax?

A. There are three ways of contracting anthrax, each withdifferent symptoms:. Cutaneous, or skin, anthrax is the most common form. It

is usually contracted when a person with a break in theirskin, such as a cut or abrasion, comes into direct contactwith anthrax spores. The resulting itchy bump rapidlydevelops into a black sore. Some people can then developheadaches, muscle aches, fever and vomiting. Cutaneousanthrax must be treated quickly. Appropriate medicalevaluation and treatment are essential.

. Gastrointestinal anthrax is caught from eating meat froman infected animal. It causes initial symptoms similar tofood poisoning but these can worsen to produce severeabdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhoea.Appropriate medical evaluation and treatment areessential.

. The most severe form of human anthrax is calledinhalation or pulmonary anthrax. Though the rarest, it isthe form of human anthrax causing the most currentconcern. It is caused when a person is directly exposed toa large number of anthrax spores suspended in the air, andbreathes them in. The first symptoms are similar to thoseof a common cold, but this can rapidly progress to severebreathing difficulties and shock. Appropriate medicalevaluation and treatment are essential.

Q. How is it treated or prevented?

A. Anthrax responds well to antibiotic treatment. Antibioticsmust be prescribed and taken with medical advice. Nobodyshould attempt to use antibiotics or any other drugs to treat orprotect themselves without first getting medical advice.Q. Is there a vaccine?

A. There is a vaccine against anthrax, but it is not approvedfor widespread use because it has never been comprehen-sively tested in human trials. The vaccine is sometimes givento people who are likely to be exposed to anthrax through theiroccupation, for example, tannery workers, or to militarypersonnel. It is not widely available, nor is its use for massimmunization recommended.Q. Can I catch it from someone else?

A. Inhalation anthrax cannot be transmitted from person toperson. Therefore, there is no need to worry about catchingthe disease from anyone else. In the case of cutaneousanthrax, there is a small risk of direct infection from thelesions on another person’s body.

Q. I feel like I have a cold. Could it be anthrax?A. Only people who have been directly exposed to the sporescan catch anthrax. If you feel unwell, you should get medicaladvice in exactly the same way as you normally would. Inmost places, that means going to the doctor. If you are ill, thedoctor will then be able to prescribe the most appropriatetreatment.Q. Do I have to go to a hospital to get tests?A. Any doctor or medical practitioner is trained to diagnoseinfectious diseases and has access to the necessary tests. Ifrequired, you will be given the tests you need. It is notnecessary to go to a hospital.Q. I'm worried about anthrax. Should I take antibioticsjust in case?A. Nobody should take antibiotics without first gettingmedical advice. Antibiotics are very powerful and effectivetools, but they are designed to work against the bacteria thatcause specific diseases. Unless you are taking the correctantibiotic, it may not be the best way to treat the disease youhave.Q. What do I do if I get a suspicious package or letter?A. Common sense is critical in dealing with this unfamiliarsituation. Unopened envelopes or packages present a low risk.The risk of exposure is greatest after a suspicious package orletter is opened. Some key points about what to do if youreceive a suspicious package or letter are summarized below.Q. What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel?A. Some typical characteristics that ought to trigger suspicioninclude letters or parcels that:. Have any powdery substance on the outside.. Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.. Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed

address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, ormisspellings of common words.

. Are addressed to someone no longer at your workplace orhome or are otherwise outdated.

. Have no return address, or have one that can't be verifiedas legitimate.

. Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided oroddly shaped.

. Have an unusual amount of tape.

. Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as"Personal" or "Confidential."

. Have strange odours or stains.Q. What should I do if I receive an anthrax threat bymail?. Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of

contamination.. Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are

isolated and the immediate area cordoned off.. Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece

wash their hands with soap and water.. List all persons who have touched the letter and/or

envelope.. Include contact information and have this information

available for the authorities.. Place all items worn when in contact with the suspected

mail piece in plastic bags and have them available forauthorities.

. As soon as practical, shower with soap and water.

. Contact the:JOC (Ext: 4555),Force Medical Officer (Ext 4597), andForce Hygiene Officer (Ext 4534)

The Facts on AnthraxThe Facts on Anthrax

The only negotiable route to global peace andcooperation goes by way of the United Nations --

Nobel Committee, 12 October 2001

On 12 October, the Norwegian Nobel Committeeannounced its decision to award the Nobel PeacePrize for 2001 to the United Nations and to itsSecretary-General, Kofi Annan. This is the first timein the Committee’s 100-year history that the PeacePrize has been awarded to the United Nations as anentity, and only the second time that it has recogniseda UN Secretary-General.

By announcing the award just one month after theterrorist attacks on the United States, the NobelCommittee made it clear it was recognising theefforts of the UN and Mr. Annan to ensure a betterand more peaceful world.

“The end of the cold war has at last made itpossible for the UN to perform more fully the part itwas originally intended to play,” the Committee said.“Today, the organisation is at the forefront of effortsto achieve peace and security in the world, and of theinternational mobilization aimed at meeting theworld's economic, social and environmentalchallenges.”

For 100 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committeehas sought to strengthen organized cooperationbetween states, recognizing the wishes ofindustrialist Alfred Nobel, the award’s benefactor,that prizes should be given to those who haveconferred the greatest benefit on mankind, includingone for the best work towards fraternity betweennations.

United Nations High Commissioner for HumanRights Mary Robinson noted the Peace Prize’stimely recognition of the UN and Mr. Annan’sleadership in seeking world peace. “In the aftermathof the horrific attacks in the United States and inlight of the terrible humanitarian situation facingcivilians in Afghanistan and in that region, thisrecognition heartens all human rights defenders, inthe United Nations and in civil society, andencourages us to continue the struggle for humandignity and human security,” she said.

In acknowledging the honour given the UN, Mr.Annan spoke of the commitment of its 189 memberstates and of its staff of more than 52,000 peoplearound the world. “Let me say that if the UN hasachieved anything, it is because of the work that youdo, and your dedication,” Mr. Annan told UN staffon 12 October. “To wake up to a morning like this,a morning of recognition, a morning of encourage-

ment for all of us, is something that we shouldcherish. But we should cherish this in a sense ofdeciding to try even harder.”

His words were an example of the spiritrecognised by the Nobel Committee. Noting that Mr.Annan has devoted almost his entire working life tothe UN, the Committee said that as Secretary-General, he has been pre-eminent in bringing newlife to the organisation. “While clearly underliningthe UN’s traditional responsibility for peace andsecurity, he has also emphasised its obligations withregard to human rights,” the Committee said. “Hehas risen to such new challenges as HIV/AIDS andinternational terrorism, and brought about more effi-cient utilization of the UN’s modest resources.”

“It is the right decision at the right time to honourand praise Secretary-General Kofi Annan and theUnited Nations as the stronghold of our sharedvalues and commitment for peace, security, freedomand prosperity,” said Dr. Gro Harlem Bruntland,Director-General of the WHO. “Kofi Annan hastirelessly rallied support for these values. Throughhis strong personal commitment, he has increasedthe credibility of the United Nations as we begin anew millennium.”

Mr. Annan is the first Secretary-General to beelected from the ranks of UN staff, and began histerm in office on 1 January 1997. It was theculmination of a UN career that began in 1962, whenMr. Annan joined the UN system as anadministrative and budget officer with the WHO.Since then, he has served various of the UN’s bodies,including the UN Economic Commission for Africa,the Office of the UN High Commissioner forRefugees, and the Department of PeacekeepingOperations.

In June 2001, recognising his achievements asSecretary-General in such diverse fields asorganisational renewal and conflict resolution, theGeneral Assembly appointed Mr. Annan byacclamation to a second term, ending 31 December2006.

The United Nations system has been awarded theNobel Peace Prize on five previous occasions: in1988, to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations; in1954 and 1981, to the Office of the United NationsHigh Commissioner for Refugees; in 1965, to theUnited Nations Children’s Fund; and in 1969, to theInternational Labour Organisation. In addition, theUN’s second Secretary-General, Dag Hammars-kjöld, was awarded the prize posthumously in 1961,for his action in strengthening the UN.

4 October 2001 - The Blue Beret 5October 2001 - The Blue Beret

On 12 October 2001, Kofi Annan, the UNSecretary-General, spoke to the press about theawarding of the 100th Nobel Peace Prize to theUnited Nations. These are his remarks.

[The Nobel Peace Prize] is truly an honourfor the whole United Nations -- its MemberStates, the General Assembly and the SecurityCouncil, and especially its dedicated staffaround the world. They work hard every day tomake the world a more just, more peaceful, andhappier place. Many of them risk their lives.They richly deserve this award.

A year ago, world leaders at the MillenniumSummit reaffirmed the indispensable role of theUnited Nations as the common house of theentire humankind. In a world which is growingever closer and more interconnected, and is yetstill torn by brutal conflict and cruel injustice,this role is ever more important.

All of us who work for the United Nationsshould be proud today -- but also be humbled,humbled because even more will be expected ofus in the future.

This award is a tribute, above all, to ourcolleagues who have made the supreme sacrificein the service of humanity. The only true prize,for them and for us, will be peace itself.

Towards PeaceNobel Peace Prize for 2001 Awardedto the United Nations and

Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Nobel Peace Prize for 2001 Awardedto the United Nations and

Secretary-General Kofi Annan

UNFICYP Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowiczfirst met the Secretary-General in 1993 when he wasserving as Poland’s ambassador to the UN, and Mr.Annan was Under-Secretary-General heading theDepartment of Peacekeeping Operations.

“Poland then was one of the leading peacekeepingcontributors, so I would meet with Mr. Annan quiteregularly to discuss a wide range of issues,” explainsMr. Wlosowicz, who also worked with Mr. Annan afterhis election to Secretary-General. “In particular, Ienjoyed Mr. Annan’s support and cooperation when Ipresided over the Security Council in March 1997, amemorable month in which the Security Council -- afterlengthy day and night meetings -- eventually, on GoodFriday authorized Multinational Forces to enter Albania(then in a very serious crisis) on a humanitarian mission.In situations like that, one appreciates the Secretary-General’s ultimate commitment and his thoroughknowledge of the international scene.”

Mr. Wlosowicz describes Mr. Annan as a fantasticcommunicator who appeals to people through his caringmanner and his wonderful sense of humour. “When youtalk to the people working in UN headquarters, they will

tell you that Mr. Annan has the same smile, handshakeand jokes as he used to have before he became theSecretary-General. He has devoted almost his entireworking life to the UN, and I think that there is a senseof pride that someone from within the UN has becomethe top international civil servant in the world.”

Mr. Annan’s thorough knowledge and understandingof the UN, his belief in people and his lack of cynicismmake him successful in working towards his vision ofthe UN’s role in world peace and security, notesUNFICYP's Chief of Mission. And Mr. Annan’sconcern for other people, from those working with himto those whom the UN cares for around the world, isinspirational.

“Several years ago I had a chance to introduce mymother to Mr. Annan,” Mr. Wlosowicz explains. “Sincehe learnt about my father’s death, he would not start ourconversation with anything other than: ‘How is yourmother?’ It is touching...”

Working with theSecretary-GeneralWorking with theSecretary-GeneralA Personal Perspective from theActing Special Representativeof the Secretary-General andUNFICYP’s Chief of Mission

The Secretary-General and Mrs Annan met the mediaon their doorstep in New York early in the morning,

shortly after being informed of the Osloannouncement of the Nobel Peace Prize

6 October 2001 - The Blue Beret 7October 2001 - The Blue Beret

During September and October, Head-quarters UNFICYP welcomed a number of

visitors to the Force.Among those received by Chief of Mission

Zbigniew Wlosowicz and Force CommanderMaj.Gen. Victory Rana was EuropeanCommission President Romano Prodi (farright), who arrived on the 26 October at theLedra Palace. The EU party, which includedCommissioner Günter Verheugen (left), wasescorted on a Green Line tour and werebriefed on the tasks of British soldiers on theline.

VIPs Gain a Personal G

limpse of U

NFICYP

High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, HisExcellency Mr. Pavan K. Vama (left), paid acourtesy call to HQ UNFICYP on 13September.

Visits to UNFICYP

Mr. Michael Smith, Irish Minister forDefence (right), visited UNFICYP on 29 and30 September.

Having travelled from the Lebanon andDamascus, he visited HQ UNFICYP as well asSectors 1 and 2, where he was given briefingsand escorted on line tours in the buffer zone.

Gen. Sir Alex Harley KBE CB (right), MasterGunner at St James’s Park, visited UNFICYPon 18 September.

This was not Gen. Sir Alex’s first visit toCyprus. In 1993, he served as the Adminis-trative Officer of the Sovereign Base Areas inCyprus (as the Queen’s representative) and theJoint Service Commander of the British Forcesin Cyprus. His programme included a visit toSector 2.

Mr. Lyn Parker (left), the new British HighCommissioner in Cyprus, visited UNFICYPon 3 October.

As well as meeting members of theHeadquarters staff, Mr. Parker visited Sector 2where he received a briefing and wasconducted on a Green Line Tour.

Missing family back home is an emotion sharedby most mission personnel. For two of Sector1’s personnel, the challenges are rather

different: the Guirins have been married for 18 months,and by happy coincidence are both posted to ARGCONin UNFICYP.

2/Lt. Elizabeth Barvoza de Guirin is a professionalnurse who works in San Martin Camp’s Medical Centre.Her husband, 2/Lt. Cristian Guirin, works in theLogistics Branch as Transport Officer for Sector 1.

Back home in Argentina, in keeping with Armyregulations dealing with military marriages, the couplework in different units within the same garrison. There,Elizabeth works at the Military Hospital and Cristianwith the 9th Mechanised Signals Coy, both located inComodoro Rivadavia, a windy town on the Patagoniancoast in southern Argentina.

In Cyprus, the couple’s working days begin inEvrychou, where they rent a small apartment. Theywake up at 6:00 am to be at the 7:30 am morning parade.After a vigorous half-hour of gymnastics, they go theirseparate ways to Logistics and to the Medical Centre.They meet up again at lunchtime. Their return to theapartment depends on their jobs: Elizabeth is often onduty, while Cristian often works outside the camp,arriving late.

“All in all this has been a great experience, mostlybecause all we had to think about was ourselves and our

work,” says Elizabeth of the posting to UNFICYP. Theshared posting also enabled them to fulfil a life-longdream trip to the Middle East and Egypt. The onlydrawback has been poor communication with theirfamilies in Argentina. Even this, however, has broughtthem closer.

“Absolutely, we would recommend the mission for acouple, though it would be better without children, aswith ourselves,” they agree.

They are returning to Argentina with a sense offulfilment, leaving behind many friends and lookforward to a personal and professional life that is justbeginning.

The GuirinsBy Maj. A. Alvarez

Mucking In Together

On 25 September, Sector 2 joined forces withAnglanzia Municipality and the NationalGuard to clean up their area of responsibility

within the Buffer Zone, where there has been a lot ofillegal dumping over the past few years.

Troops from the United Nations, including S2 Eastand SCAT (Sector Civil Affairs Team) personnel,worked with soldiers from the National Guard’s 212Battalion, and were assisted by two HGVs and a JCBprovided by the Anglanzia Municipality. The multi-national team worked hard throughout the morningand managed to clear four truckloads of rubbish: theimprovement to the area was substantial and all are tobe congratulated for their cooperative efforts.

Sector 4’s new DCO, Lt. Col.Zoltan Horvath, is no

stranger to UNFICYP. From1997 to 1999 he served as SO2Pers in UNFICYP HQ, and saysthat it is always a pleasure tomeet former colleagues.

He notes many changes,including material improve-ments to roads, buildings, patroltracks and kitchen equipment,plus the proliferation of elec-tronic communication devicessuch as mobile phones and e-mail. “I cannot forget thechanges in the HungarianContingent,” he says. “When wecame here in 1995 we were

beginners, but now we have sixyears’ experience in HQUNFICYP, Military Police,MFR and of course Sector 4.HUNCON has become anorganic part of UNFICYP.”

Lt. Col. Horvath was born inGyor, Hungary, and graduatedfrom the Military TechnicalCollege in Budapest in 1974.He has served in the Tank andMilitary Vehicle Training Cen-tre, the Maintenance Regiment,the Peacekeeping Forces Train-ing Centre, and in the Ministryof Defence, and has taken part inpeacekeeping courses in Canadaand several European countries.

New DCO Sector 4Lt. Col. Zoltan Horvath

8 October 2001 - The Blue Beret 9October 2001 - The Blue Beret

They say that for 354 days of theyear, it’s sunny in Cyprus. Well,that was definitely the case on

Sunday 21 October, when the gates ofLedra Palace were opened to the publicbetween 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to celebrateUnited Nations Day (24 October).

It is estimated that well over 7,000Cypriots and visitors from north andsouth of the buffer zone entered the LedraPalace grounds and spent the daytogether, recognising the UN’s 56th

birthday and the highlight of UNFICYP'ssocial calendar. This is a new attendancerecord for the day. To give you an idea ofthis accomplishment, consider this --15,000 people visited the Palais desNations in Geneva, the UN’s Head-quarters in Europe, over two days.

Here at our own Ledra Palace, Chief ofMission Zbigniew Wlosowicz opened theevent after a march of children with UNflags. He welcomed everyone, “especiallythe children of the island,” to a veryspecial United Nations Day, which thisyear has added meaning “since therecently announced award of the NobelPeace Prize to the UN and to ourSecretary-General Kofi Annan”.

Hundreds of UN staff, civilian and

military, spent months preparing for theday, and were rightly happy that Cypriotsand visitors of all ages spent their Sundayenjoying the music and a variety ofactivities in such a friendly atmosphere.

At the end of the day, Ledra Palace’sswimming pool area became the venuefor an outstanding concert of classicalmusic performed by internationally-acclaimed artists of Cypriot origin.Returning home especially for theoccasion, Martino Tirimo (piano), TurgayHilmi (French horn) and HarrisHadjigeorgiou (violin) joined the CyprusFulbright Ensemble led by ArtisticDirector Peter Sulski in a recital ofexcerpts from works by Brahms, Britten,Mozart and Schumann. The concertconcluded with the singers Katie Eco-nomidou and Erol Refikoðlu performingtraditional songs from the twocommunities.

UN Day at Ledra Palace is now aCyprus tradition -- an open house whereeveryone is welcome and everyone feelscomfortable. Whether or not visitorsstayed for the concert, they left with giftpackages including a pen, cap and mug --all carrying UNFICYP’s logo -- as a smallreminder of their special UN Day.

Record Numbers CelebrateUN Day in Style

10

Although Brazilian participa-tion in ARGCON began in1995, this was not the first

time that a Brazilian soldier hadarrived in Cyprus. In fact, the firstdays of the mission saw a Brazilianmaking a significant contribution toUNFICYP’s establishment.

Maj. Gen. Paiva Chaves was theForce Commander of the UnitedNations Emergency Force (UNEF) inthe Middle East when hostilities inCyprus reached the level that ledArchbishop Makarios to ask for thepresence of the United Nations. Inthose tense and uncertain days, whenthe mission was not yet operational,Maj. Gen. Paiva Chaves came toCyprus to lend his experience to the

enormous work involved in settingup a peace-keeping operation.

Maj. Gen. Paiva Chaves partici-pated in the talks regarding themission’s establishment with Arch-bishop Makarios and Mr. Denktash.On 20 March 1964, he received thefirst Canadian soldiers to arrive inCyprus, and, after the arrival of Gen.Gyani, the first UNFICYP ForceCommander, he witnessed thenegotiations that took place in LedraPalace.

Although present for only a shorttime, Brazil is very proud at havingbeen in Cyprus at such a crucial andsensitive moment. Maj. Gen. PaivaChaves returned to Brazil, but therecord of his time on the island can be

seen in those photographs from hispersonal files. These images have aspecial meaning for us, Brazilian sol-diers, especially for those who are now,as in the beginning, working for peacein Cyprus.

The First Brazilian Soldier in UNFICYPThe First Brazilian Soldier in UNFICYPBy Capt. J. De Andrade

Gen Paiva Chaves withMr. Denktash

Gen. Paiva Chaves receiving thefirst Canadian soldiers

Gen. Paiva Chaves with Gen Gyaniin front of the Ledra Palace

Gen. Paiva Chaves withArchbishop Makarios

Iwas recently invited to visit San Martin Camp, to seesomething outside UNFICYP Headquarters inNicosia, and to get a tour of the buffer zone in the

Argentinian area of responsibility on the island.Thanks to SSgt. Mario Bosco, our tour guide from the

Civil Affairs Team, it was a great day. Argentinians arefantastic hosts: so hospitable, friendly and accom-modating. We could never leave a camp, an OP or a cabinwithout being offered something to drink and eat.

Our tour started with a visit to OP18, where we weremet by eight soldiers, all standing in line, saluting us - thisis not the sort of greeting that I am most often met with,so I loved it. We were invited into their accommodation,which turned out to be a very small house. My daughternoticed that there were only six beds -- obviously, two ofthe peacekeepers must be on duty throughout the night.The kitchen was barely a kitchen and I won’t even getinto their bathroom facilities!

When we were invited up in the OP tower, we ofcourse went along, but boy, are some of those towers tall!I felt every step to the top, and when I finally reached thedizzying heights, I immediately started dreading havingto go back down. But the view overlooking the valleys,the mountains and Morphou Bay was fabulous -- it was aclear, beautiful day and I believe we could see the Turkishcoastline.

We continued our buffer zone touring, including ashort break at Camp Brown, where we had lunch andenjoyed again the same warmth and friendliness. It’s nosurprise that the Argentinians have a worldwidereputation for their hospitality.

Despite five hours in a UN vehicle on dirt roads andbumpy mountain tracks, it was worth it all, for the magni-ficent scenery, some rare viewings of moufflons, and ofcourse the welcome we received. At the end of the day,we came back to San Martín Camp for a refreshing dip inthe pool.

I was left with the feeling that the Argentinians havesucceeded in making themselves a home away fromhome, in their camp at the foot of the Troodos Mountains.

A Scenic Day in Sector 1By Charlotte Mortensen

“Mi casa es tu casa” says OP 18

11October 2001 - The Blue BeretOctober 2001 - The Blue Beret

On an unusually hot 11 October, eightsix-man teams battled it out over 10hours, 10 events and 14.2 kms for a

chance to win the coveted Military SkillsCompetition Trophy. As the day progressed,it was hard to tell whether the soakinguniforms were from the swimming poolstand or from the troops’ physical exertionsover the obstacle course. The heat certainlytested the teams’ water-drinking skills.

The teams -- one from MFR, two fromSector 1, three from Sector 2 and two fromSector 4 -- were also tested on a range ofpractical driving skills including signals,first aid, driving, map reading, observationand reporting, operational information,shooting and weapon assembly.

Congratulations to the winning teamfrom HQ Sector 2, and to all those who tookpart: competitors, stand and team controllersand umpires, as well as the admin staff fromMFR, for a thoroughly worthwhile, wellorganised and close run day. MFR placedsecond, with Sector 2B coming in third.

On an unusually hot 11 October, eightsix-man teams battled it out over 10hours, 10 events and 14.2 kms for a

chance to win the coveted Military SkillsCompetition Trophy. As the day progressed,it was hard to tell whether the soakinguniforms were from the swimming poolstand or from the troops’ physical exertionsover the obstacle course. The heat certainlytested the teams’ water-drinking skills.

The teams -- one from MFR, two fromSector 1, three from Sector 2 and two fromSector 4 -- were also tested on a range ofpractical driving skills including signals,first aid, driving, map reading, observationand reporting, operational information,shooting and weapon assembly.

Congratulations to the winning teamfrom HQ Sector 2, and to all those who tookpart: competitors, stand and team controllersand umpires, as well as the admin staff fromMFR, for a thoroughly worthwhile, wellorganised and close run day. MFR placedsecond, with Sector 2B coming in third.

By Maj. G. Ratcliffe

12 October 2001 - The Blue Beret

Drink Driving, or “Impaired Driving” to giveit the correct title, is one of the mostdangerous crimes to either participate in, or

be unlucky enough to be the victim of. In theUnited Kingdom alone, 3,500 people are killed or

seriously injured eachyear in drink driveaccidents. Thesefigures are, of course,proportionate to thedriving population, andare on a par with mostcountries throughoutthe world.

UNFICYP SOPChapter 3, Part 2, Sec-

tion 4, paragraph 16 is very clear about impaireddriving. “Drinking and driving will not be tolerated,and any military/civilian/CIVPOL member ofUNFICYP found guilty of drinking and drivingmay be repatriated.” UNFICYP SOP, Chapter 3,Section 4, Part 1, para-graphs 86 and 87 go on tostipulate that disciplinaryaction will be takenagainst any member ofUNFICYP who is caught“driving under the influ-ence of alcohol or drugsexceeding the limits set bylocal authorities.” It alsosays, “after an initialbreath sample, taken usingroadside equipment, afurther breath sample willbe taken using calibratedequipment with a com-puter printout. The print-out will be sufficient tomeet the Force Commander’s requirement forrepatriation.”

To separate fact from fiction, here is the real

story on some common impaired driving concernsand misconceptions:

“I’ll be all right, so long as I don’t have morethan two beers.” Wrong! There is no failsafe guideto how much you can drink and stay under thecurrent limit. Theamount, the type ofalcohol, your weight,sex, age, and metabo-lism all play their part.After only 10 minutesof drinking, 50 percentof the alcohol consumed will have been absorbedinto your bloodstream; after an hour, all of the alco-hol from that drink will have been absorbed. Theonly safe thing to do is not drink and drive.

“Why was I stopped?” There are many reasonswhy police may stop a driver. Not all impaireddrivers speed: some are over-cautious, and drivewell below the speed limit. Some forget to switchon their lights at night, or fail to switch their

headlights to low beam for other road users. Someare unaware that they are straying across the roadinto oncoming traffic, or indicating for no apparentreason. Upon being stopped, some are unable toeven walk, let alone drive a car!

“I didn’t know that I was over the limit.”Ignorance of the law is not normally accepted as anexcuse. The impaired driving limits in Cyprus arelisted above - so now you know. To put thesefigures into context, most people will loseconsciousness with readings of 140 ug, andreadings of 200 ug will result in the person (orperhaps “blubbering wreck” might be a betterdescription) becoming comatose, immediately priorto death.

“Why does alcohol make me a danger when I’mdriving?” After one drink, your judgement isaffected, starting with your judgement aboutwhether you should have another alcoholic drink!

Your ability to react to events and situations will beseverely affected, which decreases your ability tostop the vehicle. Your judgement of the overall riskwill be affected, making you over-confident in yourability to drive, resulting in putting yourself, yourpassengers, or others at risk. “I’m a better driverafter a couple of pints” is simply not true.

“What are the legal consequences if I amcaught?” In the UK, for example, if you are foundto be over the legal limit, you can be fined up to£2,500 sterling, be disqualified for at least sixmonths, and be jailed for up to three months(disqualification begins when you are released fromprison). If you refuse to, or because of the amountof alcohol you have consumed, you are unable to

provide a sample of breath, the fine isincreased to £5,000 sterling, you maybe jailed for up to six months, anddisqualified for at least one year.Most other countries throughout theworld have similar, or even harsherpenalties than the UK. Within theUN, your problems will start withyour likely repatriation home, indisgrace.

“I had to take my car - there was no other way toget there and back.” This is an annoying excuse,heard all too often. Arrange for someone who isnot drinking to drive. Take a taxi, stay overnight,use unit transport, or even try walking! Try any ofthese, but do not drink and drive. If you arearranging a unit function, why not also arrange unittransport to stop your colleagues drinking anddriving? Never buy an alcoholic drink for a personyou know is driving.

“I went to a barbeque last night, and I have towork today. I have had a good night’s sleep and acup of coffee. I’ll be okay to drive.” Possibly, butconsider this: if you go to bed at midnight, after anevening’s drinking, you may have 110 ug of alcoholper 100 ml of breath, well over the limit! You go tobed, and wake up at 7 a.m., when there may still be50 ug of alcohol per 100 ml of breath in yoursystem. You are still over the legal limit. Bylunchtime, your body has continued to expel thealcohol, and has reduced your amount to only 20 ugof alcohol. Although this is now technically belowthe legal limit (unless driving UN Vehicles), yourability to drive may still be affected. It isimpossible to speed up alcohol elimination. Coldshowers, strong coffee, Red Bull, or other ways ofsobering up do not work. Time is the only way ofreducing your alcohol content.

If in doubt - DON’T! Leave your vehicle athome (or wherever you have been drinking) andfind another means of transport instead.

Have a safe and alcohol-free journey.

Drinking And Driving - The Facts And The FictionDrinking And Driving - The Facts And The FictionBy Sgt. R. Whitehead

UNFICYP’S ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

UNFICYP Vehicles ZERO micrograms (ug) ofalcohol per 100 millilitres of breath

Republic of Cyprus 39 micrograms (ug) of alcoholper 100 millilitres of breath

Sovereign Border Areas 37 micrograms (ug) of alcoholper 100 millilitres of breath

Northern Cyprus 24 micrograms (ug) of alcoholper 100 millilitres of breath

13October 2001 - The Blue Beret

Testing..1, 2, 3 ....!

“Drinking and driving willnot be tolerated, and anymilitary/civilian/CIVPOL

member of UNFICYPfound guilty of

drinking and drivingmay be repatriated.”

There is no failsafe guideto how much you can

drink and stay under thecurrent limit.

1514 October 2001 - The Blue Beret October 2001 - The Blue Beret

Sport

The best caption for the above photograph willreceive a prize. All entries should be sub-mitted to the Public Information Office by:

29 November 2001

1. Synchronised swimming -- easy to do on yourown.

2. We all live in a yellow submarine -- and youdon’t!

3. The great white shark’s eye view of anappetizer, entrée and dessert (Charles -- comeand collect your prize!)

4. Nothing like a nice big cup of water on a hotday...

5. The idea was in its embryonic stages...6. I DARE you to come burst my bubble!!!7. Did somebody say Iceberg?!8. We all held our breath for the arrival of the

Canadian Contingent.9. Self-preservation -- the secret to perpetual

youth...

Caption Competition

Well now, readers, we ARE improving. Thisissue, we have several entries for the caption

competition, and some are so funny that we havelisted them below.

Now let’s see what we come up with next time....

The MFR football teamopened their 13 Septem-

ber challenge game withSector 1 by putting the oppo-sing team under immediatepressure, scoring a goal with-in the first minute of play.Sector 1 quickly rebounded,however, with a reorganisedline-up and turned the gamein their favour, with the first

half ending 1-1. In thesecond half, Sector 1 movedthe ball to both flanks, settingup very good attacks thatproduced a 5-1 final result.

Spectators and playersalike enjoyed the highstandard of football fromboth sides, and the spirit offriendship with which thegame was played.

On 16 September, the “14th

Annual International Run-ning Contest” took place in theVillage of Agros. The 7km racewas organized by the AchilleasAgrou Athletic Club and theCyprus Amateur Running ClubPerikles Demetriou.

Thirty-three ARGCON mem-bers joined the challenging

event, with six finishing in thetop three in their respective agegroup: Pte. Queupo third in the20/29 age group; 1/Sgt. Verathird in the 35/39 age group;WO2 Moyano second and WO2Vazquez third in the 40/45 agegroup; and WO2 Mamani andLt. Col. Patoco third in the 46/50age group. Well done all!

Football matches betweenSector 4’s Hungarian and

Slovak teams started almostimmediately after SLOVCONarrived on the island. On 3October, however, CampGeneral Stefanik in Fama-gusta witnessed a match witha significant change. Hunga-rians and Slovaks created ajoint team and played againsta local telephone companyteam.

Sector 4 set the pace early

on, scoring several times. Inthe best sports spirit, both sidesplayed well and nobody wasable to provide a final score.The player of the day, scoringthe most goals, was Maj.Matej, Sector 4’s seniorlogistic officer. The CO andDCO Sector 4 invited allplayers to the officers club,where rumour has it that dis-cussion about the final score --which no one kept track of --lasted late into the night.

Ever wondered whetheryou’d enjoy golf? Do you

play back home? Mem-bership at the thriving UNGolf Club, located at the oldNicosia International Air-port, is open to all thoseserving with the UN inCyprus, at only £10 permonth. Golf lessons areavailable at the practice areafrom 3:00 pm to 5:00 pmevery Friday, and other golfclubs are hosted throughoutthe year for open competitions.

On 12 and 13 October, theBallantines Open GolfCompetition, played over 36holes, attracted island golferswith handicaps ranging from3 to 21. Capt. J.J. Simon ofOps Branch -- who onlybegan to play golf two yearsago -- won the best net with a130 net score over the twodays. Other UNFICYP/UNCIVPOL prize winnersincluded Maj. Gen. V. Rana,Lt. Col. M. Farragher andSgt. D. Sheedy.

The UN opened theirhockey league account

on 14 October with a fightagainst the “Saxons” fromEpiskopi. Wearing theirnewly sponsored kit fromKEO, the UN side looked amatch for anyone: withsome slick passing, it wassoon 2-0 to the UN. With aquick counter-attack, theSaxons were back in the

game, however with thescore reaching 5-2 to theSaxons before the UN sidebegan to show their spirit inthe face of adversity, reach-ing a final score of 5-4 to theSaxons.

A few more seconds couldhave made all the difference,with the UN team playing itsbest as the game neared itsconclusion.

No Game is Easy!

Golfers Land on Moon!

MFR Outflanked by Sector 1

Six of the Best

Why Keep Score?

By Bdr. A. Crouch

By Lt. Col. M. O’Farragher

By Maj. A. Alvarez and1/Lt. R. Lucarino

By 1/Lt. L. Klima

By Maj. A. Alvarez and 1/Lt. R. Lucarino

Aphilosophy professor stoodbefore his class and hadsome items in front of him.

When class began, wordlessly hepicked up a large empty mayonnaisejar and proceeded to fill it with rocksright to the top, rocks about 2”diameter. He then asked the studentsif the jar was full? They agreed thatit was.

So the professor then picked up abox of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles, of course, rolled intothe open areas between the rocks.The students laughed.

He asked his students again if thejar was full? They agreed that yes, itwas. The professor then picked up abox of sand and poured it into thejar. Of course, the sand filled upeverything else.

“Now,” said the professor, “I wantyou to recognise that this is your life.The rocks are the important things --your family, your partner, your

health, your children -- anythingthat is so important to you that if itwere lost, you would be nearlydestroyed. The pebbles are the otherthings in life that matter, but on asmaller scale. The pebbles representthings like your job, your house,your car. The sand is everythingelse. The small stuff. If you put thesand or the pebbles into the jar first,there is no room for the rocks.

The same goes for your life. Ifyou spend all your energy and timeon the small stuff, material things,you will never have room for thethings that are truly most impor-tant. Pay attention to the things thatare critical in your life. Play withyour children. Take your partner outdancing. There will always be timeto go to work, clean the house, givea dinner party and fix the disposal.Take care of the rocks first -- thethings that really matter. Set yourpriorities. The rest is just pebblesand sand.”

On a Philosophical Note...On a Philosophical Note...