The United Nations Information Service in cooperation with the Austrian Armed Forces and the Austrian Blue Helmets Association

invites you to celebrate the

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

at the

Vienna International Centre

on

Monday, 29 May 2006, at 11:45 hours

with

General Roland ERTL
Chief of Defence Staff

and

General Günther GREINDL (retd.)
President of Austrian Blue Helmets Association

A display of Austrian military vehicles, a military band and video clips showing peacekeepers in action will be part of an event at the Vienna International Centre to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on 29 May 2006.  On this day the United Nations pays tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations and honours those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. There are currently 15 peacekeeping operations around the world with more than 70,000 military and police personnel from 108 countries. A contingent from the Austrian Armed Forces who are about to go on mission to the United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights will participate in the event in the Plaza at the VIC.  There will be a formal military ceremony led by General Ertl, accompaniment from the military band and a presentation of commemorative medals to peacekeepers from the United Nations Association of Austria.

* * *

For further information:
Anne Thomas, Information Officer, UNIS
Tel: +43-1-26060-5693
E-mail:  anne.thomas@unvienna.org