A Canadian peacekeeping exhibition opened Monday, featuring displays by the Canadian War Museum and a “Wall of Honour” of Canadian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving in Cyprus.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Canadian Minister of Veteran’s Affairs Julian Fantino and the High Commissioner Robert Peck at Famagusta Gate, in Nicosia, at the presence of ten Canadian UNFICYP veterans.

It unveils historic events of the Canadian peacekeeping mission on the island between 1964 and 1993. More than 25 thousands Canadian peacekeepers served in Cyprus and 28 lost their lives during the mission.

Addressing the event, Minister Fantino said that Cyprus and Canada share the common values of democracy, respect of human rights and rule of law.

He also noted that President Anastasiades is committed to leading Cyprus through those very difficult negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Fantino said he was encouraged by the potential of joint collaboration between the two countries, expressing hope that there will be more opportunities for commerce and business and joint collaboration on the economic front.

He said Canada appreciates Cyprus’ contribution towards a decompression program for Canadian soldiers who returned from Afghanistan.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed talks resumed recently after the leaders of the two communities, namely President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu agreed on a seven point Joint Declaration outlining their vision of a reunited Cyprus.

Set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities on the island and bring about a return to normal conditions, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions.
The exhibition will be open until March 19.