Ethiopian peace force in Sudan honored UN medals

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

July 31,2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian Peacekeepers deployed in the troubled Sudanese region of Darfur this week received UN Medals in recognition of their service and duty to the peace keeping role of the mission in Sudan.

Ethiopian Infantry Battalion to UNAMID, was honored Medals for its significant contributions in bringing relative peace and stability, in short period of time in western Darfur, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense said on Friday.

Military officials from UNAMID during the Medal award ceremony applauded the Ethiopian forces for conducting themselves relentlessly and diligently to bring peace and stability in Sudan.

Ethiopia’s current contribution to Darfur peacekeeping mission consists of an infantry battalion and engineering unit, as well as multi-role, reconnaissance and transport companies deployed in Graida South Darfur, El Geneina and Kulbus in West Darfur.

Further Ethiopian troops are expected to be deployed in the Mission area at the end of August 2009.

The Ethiopian ministry of defense said its peace force has built a permanent residential camp. The Ethiopian troops also provide transport service; conduct security patrols within their area of responsibility, to enhance security and encourage confidence within the local population, conduct escorts for humanitarian convoys and accomplish other peacekeeping related operations.

Currently, there are some 13,491 military personnel in Darfur out of the authorized 19,555; 1845 police, 1115 Formed Police Units, 1109 international staff from more than 100 countries, 2255 national staff and 335 UN Volunteers.

(ST)