Service in Syria for Lt-Col

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 407, 8 October 1991, Page 4

Service in Syria for Lt-Col

BY

JO

HOWIE

Leiutenant Colonel Richard (Dick) Cairns has been given seven week's notice to go to Damascus in Syria as part of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) alongside the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). His job will be as Chief, Observer Group Golan Heights. Dick will be responsible for all the UNTSO observation posts along the Golan Heights and will monitor the movement of both sides (Syria and Israel) in the demilitarised zone which

covers an area of 1200 square kilometres. The two main objectives of UNTSO are to observe and maintain a truce or cease-fire demanded by the Security Council and; to assist the parties in the supervision or the cease-fire, truce of other arrangements accepted by them. In the Middle East, groups of United Nations Military Observers (UNMO's) are today attached to the peacekeeping forces in the area, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights and the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon. A group re-

mains in Sinai, and there are observers in Beirut, Lebanon, and Amman. This is the first time a New Zealander has been appointed to this position, and the first time a Lt Col has been posted to this area, although there are four NZ officers of Captain or Major rank currently serving in this mission area. "This is a clear indication that New Zealand is keen to continue to participate in peace keeping roles as part of the United Nations Force," said Dick. He will be based in Damascus, at headquarters. "I expect my job will

be balanced between working in the headquarters and at the observation posts along the cease fire line. I will be the link between the Headquarters Station of the United Nations Force in Damascus, and the observation posts along Golan Heights. "New Zealand has long been involved in this part of the world. During the First World War the NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade served in Palestine and Syria before Gallipoli. During the Second World War, New Zealand Second Expeditionary Force trained in Syria," explained Dick. The posting is for 12

months unaccompanied. He has a mission substance allowance to cover daily expenses, paid by the United Nations. Maureen, Dick's wife has decided to accompany Dick and pay her own way. "This opportunity is too good to miss," Maureen said. "I'm looking forward to learning the culture in this part of the world, and about their religious beliefs." "In any country anyone visits, or lives in they must abide by their customs. I expect my dress sense to accommodate Muslium sensitivities, and 1*11 try Turnpage 5

Syria trip

From page 4 to be conscious of their life style and rules," said Maureen. Dick said they will probably live in a United Nations ex-pa-triot community. They both said they hope to see as much of that part of the world as they can.