United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

On 4 March 1964, the Security Council recommended the creation of a United Nations peacekeeping force for Cyprus and the appointment of a mediator to try to promote "a peaceful solution and an agreed settlement" of the problems confronting that country. The Force would be stationed in Cyprus for a period of three months, with all costs to be met by the Governments providing the contingents and by the Government of Cyprus. Voluntary contributions for that purpose would also be accepted. The function of the force would be "to use its best efforts to prevent a recurrence of fighting and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions." On 25 March, Secretary-General U Thant designated Mr. Sakari S Tuomioja, Ambassador of Finland in Sweden, as Mediator in Cyprus. Lt. Gen. P. S. Gyani assumed command of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on 27 March, at which time the Force became operational.

Members of an advance party of Canadians, who arrived on 20 March to participate in UNFICYP, are seen in a village near Nicosia, as they carried out the first UN patrol. [Exact date unknown]

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