NZDF recognises international day of UN peacekeepers in Timor-Leste

Squadron Leader Lorena Thomas lays a wreath during a ceremony in Timor-Leste to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers - tn

1 June 2007

New Zealand Defence Force staff in Timor-Leste attended a ceremony held in the nation’s capital to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Tuesday 29 May.

Squadron Leader Lorena Thomas, currently serving with the UN in Timor-Leste, laid a wreath at the headquarters of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) in remembrance of the five New Zealand Defence Force personnel who gave their lives serving in Timor-Leste.

Squadron Leader Thomas said that being a part of the ceremony was a moving experience that was particularly significant for her as a Kiwi peacekeeper.

“This is the day when we can pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve with the UN in peacekeeping operations, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.”

The ceremony in Dili was attended by the recently-elected President of Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, Ambassadors from New Zealand and Australia, members of the Timor-Leste Government and members of the UN and international diplomatic communities.

Seventeen countries have lost a total of 71 peacekeepers in Timor-Leste since operations began in the country in 1999.

New Zealand has contributed to various United Nations and peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste. The New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to Timor-Leste at present consists of more than 170 Defence personnel and two helicopters serving with the Combined Joint Task Force, as well as two Military Liaison Officers serving with UNMIT.

ENDS

Photo caption: Squadron Leader Lorena Thomas lays a wreath during a ceremony in Timor-Leste to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Currently 675 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 19 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world. For further information please contact Captain Rachel Riley, Defence Public Relations, on 04 529 6031 or 021 806 926.

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