Fiji remains ‘steadfastly committed’ to the work of the United Nations in safeguarding world peace, including all international counter terrorism efforts, said the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, who also paid tribute to peacekeepers when he addressed the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“In 2006, Fiji voted in favour of the preparations of a robust Arms Trade Treaty and we commend all those who have shown commitment to preparing this treaty for signature in 2012, he said.
The Prime Minister said that Fiji’s tradition of service in wearing “blue helmets” for UN peacekeeping duties began in 1978 with the United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon (UNIFIL) where the Fijian battalion served for 24 years.
“In 1982, when the Multinational Force and Observers were deployed as peacekeepers in Sinai, a Fijian battalion was amongst them and has since remained there to this day,” he said.
“In Iraq, the United Nations Unit of UNAMI has been manned by Fijians since 2004.”
Acknowledging the confidence by the UN, Commodore Bainimarama added that the planned withdrawal of the US Forces from Iraq this year and the UN’s increase of the size of its UNAMI Guard Unit saw Fiji’s selection in the provision of extra personnel after due process.
“We thank the United Nations for the confidence shown in our servicemen and servicewomen,” he said.
“Fijian servicemen and servicewomen are currently stationed in Peacekeeping Missions in South Sudan, Abyei, Darfur, Liberia and Timor Leste.
In addition, Commodore Bainimarama professed Fiji’s recognition and respect for the selfless service given by UN Peacekeepers in the troubled regions of the world, and paid tribute to those that had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Earlier this week the Minister for Defense Joketani Cokanasiga met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Azerbaijan, Mr Elmar Mammadyarov to formally thank his government for their continued support towards Fiji’s peacekeeping soldiers on duty referring to Azerbaijan’s financial support given towards Fiji’s UN Guard Unit (UNGU) in Iraq.
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