FOR the past 40 years, Fijian soldiers have defended the defenceless, protected innocent civilians and children in areas around the world fraught with danger and conflict, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Mr Bainimarama said our peacekeepers carry on a proud Fijian legacy in risking their lives for the sake of peace.
“Driven solely by the pursuit of peace, Fijian soldiers have braved some of the most dangerous and volatile regions on Earth; their service spans both decades and continents,” he said during the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Suva symposium held at the Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday.
“They have served in the Middle East, from the Sinai Peninsula to Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria. “In Africa, from Darfur to South Sudan, Liberia, and Namibia.”
With the theme “Fiji’s sacrifice for global peace” Mr Bainimarama said this would not be more appropriate as Fiji had given a great deal for the sake of global peace.
“The legacy of Fijian peacekeepers continues to this day through the nearly 900 brave Fijians currently serving as UN peacekeepers around the world,” he said.
“All of whom are worthy successors to the proud legacy of excellence forged by the 30,000 Fijian peacekeepers who have served over the past 40 years.”
