United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

In 1964, less than four years after Cyprus attained Statehood, escalating violence between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities threatened to destroy its hard-won independence. All other measures having failed, the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was introduced to restore stability. Its role was expanded after the coup d'etat against the Cyprus Government and the intervention of Turkish forces. A 180-kilometer-long buffer zone controlled by UNFICYP now separates the ceasefire lines. With the intercommunal antagonism still rife and a settlement proving elusive, the Security Council has continued to extend UNFICYP's mandate.

Member of the UNFICYP Danish contingent in Ferret Scouts approaches an observation post near Skouriotissa.