Nicosia, Cyprus – Department of Veterans Affairs

This week, Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and a delegation of 10 Canadian Veterans are participating in commemorative ceremonies in Cyprus in recognition of Canada's work to support peace and stability in the Mediterranean nation.

The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Canadian efforts in Cyprus. The visit supports efforts to bring about a greater understanding of the achievements of Canada's modern-day Veterans.

Events include the launch of "Canada House in Cyprus," at the Hall of Peace; a Canadian War Museum exhibition on display at the Famagusta Gate Cultural Centre; a rededication of the Canadian Peacekeeping Monument at the United Nations Buffer Zone in Nicosia; a United Nations reception for peacekeepers past and present; and a visit to the Dhekelia Cemetery (British War Graves) where nine fallen Canadian personnel now rest.

While in Cyprus, the delegation will have the opportunity to greet one of the last rotations of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel returning from Afghanistan to take part in decompression in Cyprus.

Following his time with the delegation in Cyprus, Minister Fantino will go to Israel to meet with representatives of the Israeli government in an effort to learn from their work to support injured military members. The Minister’s visit will include a site visit of a state-of-the-art Beit Halochem Tel Aviv facility, one of the several locations in a nation-wide network of centres designed to support Israeli war Veterans and their families.

Quick Facts

• Since 1964, more than 25,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in Cyprus, 28 of whom lost their lives in the service of peace.
• The operation in Cyprus, from 1964 to today, is one of Canada’s longest and best-known overseas military commitments.
• A large Canadian contingent served on the island from 1964 to 1993. A small Canadian Armed Forces presence remains there today as United Nations peace efforts continue.
• Veterans Affairs Canada, through the New Veterans Charter, has enhanced its rehabilitation services to ensure Veterans can improve health to the fullest extent possible.

Quotes

"With great pride, we honour Veterans of the Cyprus campaign and all of our men and women who supported it. Canada’s armed forces bring courage and expertise to areas of complex and tense conflict, upholding universal values of peace and freedom."

The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"We must continue to educate Canadians on the work that is done by those who have served Canada in uniform, and to honour those who sacrificed for this noble cause. Thanks to our dedicated soldiers, Canada’s campaign in Cyprus has helped reinforce the internationally respected reputation of our Canadian Armed Forces personnel. All Canadians owe a great debt of gratitude for the work of these Veterans."

The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs