20 years of Croatia in United Nations
Its participation in peacekeeping operations, Croatia has started sending 10 military observers in peace support operation under the auspices of the UN in Sierra Leone – UNAMSIL. Since 1999 until 2003, Croatia had had annual rotations of 10 officers, and in 2004 number of Croatian military observers was reduced to 6.
Members of the Armed Forces took part in this peacekeeping mission to its successful completion in December 2005. A total of 57 officers participated in the mission.
By the Decision of the Croatian Parliament from October 2011, it was approved continuing participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in UNDOF, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNFICYP, UNMOGIP and MINURSO missions during 2012 and 2013, and the inclusion in the newly established mission in southern Sudan UNMISS with up to 8 members.
In a little more than a decade, Croatia was involved in a respectable number of the UN peacekeeping missions. That contributed to the election of Croatia as a non-permanent Security Council member in the period 2008/2009. In 2012, Croatia is member of the Peacebuilding Commission of the United Nations.
Since 1999 to date, over 1300 members of the Croatian Armed Forces participated in 19 UN peacekeeping missions.
Currently 118 CAF have been deployed in 7 United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“It is impressive to see how soldiers from other countries salute to our flag”, Minister Kotromanović said after meeting with the heaviest war disabled veterans who were in Lourdes, together with our soldiers, policemen, and firemen.
He noted that we should continue this tradition of pilgrimage to Lourdes. This is a good opportunity to meet the soldiers, and exchange experience, especially in a place like this where there is spirit of community – said Kotromanovic.
In Lourdes, we feel the spirit of togetherness, the spirit of peace and joy among those who were here. We have been certainly recognized here, said Minister of Veterans Matić.
General Lovrić, who was commander of the pilgrimage in 2005 emphasized that coming to Lourdes is an extraordinary event to all members of the Croatian Armed Forces because here they meet with soldiers from other countries in a special environment. “Members of the Armed Forces contribute to the reputation of the Republic of Croatia in the world which is particularly important here” General Lovrić said.
“I am happy that our policemen who perform a difficult, stressful and responsible job, see pilgrimage as a spiritual renewal, and this is extremely important for their work. This is a great gain for us all”, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Tonković said.
Croatian delegation took part in the pilgrimage activities, and visited the members of the Armed Forces who have been placed in an international military camp. On this occasion, the Camp Commander, Captain Franck Petitfils said that cooperation with Croatian soldiers, who were very much involved in the organization and activities in the camp, was excellent, expressing his belief that this would continue in the future as well.
This year’s 54th International Military Pilgrimage is held under the motto “Hail Mary Full of Grace”, and among the pilgrims from more than 34 countries, there is nearly 1000 pilgrims from Croatia. Pilgrimage in Lourdes also joined members of the historical Croatian forces, Croatian Navy Band St. George and Armed Forces Orchestra. Military Ordinary Bishop Juraj Jezerinac also attended the pilgrimage.
The commander of the pilgrimage is Commodore Tihomir Erceg and his deputy is Brigadier General Ivan Juric.