Back in 1995, Sarajevo had no electricity, no gas and no water distribution system operational. Living among the population, the UN Military Observers (UNMO) had to suffer the same restrictions and solve the same problems of the locals. Going out for water replenishment was particularly interesting. The water collection point was located inside of aContinuar lendo “Scenes from a past war – Sarajevo 1995”
Arquivos mensais:abril 2020
Blue Helmets’ Core Values and Core Competencies
When discussing the matter of Core Values and Competencies with other former UN staff, I have been noticing that there some confusion between Values and Competencies. A Value is something everybody in the same organization shares, a common belief that guides de different actions and attitudes of all its members, regardless their individual technical skills,Continuar lendo “Blue Helmets’ Core Values and Core Competencies”
Not even COVID-19 has been able to stop the fighting in Afghanistan
Late last winter, the Taliban have made an agreement with the USA to halt the violence in Afghanistan and start exchanging prisoners of war with the Afghan Government. Allegedly, the Taliban got from the US delegation the promise that the Afghan Government would release about 5.000 Taliban prisoners, but apparently that did not happened …Continuar lendo “Not even COVID-19 has been able to stop the fighting in Afghanistan”
Looking for the missing journalist (Bosnia 1995)
One of my last patrols in UNPROFOR – Bosnia – 1995, while the belligerent factions were negotiating an enduring Peace Agreement in Dayton, was to go look for a U.S. journalist, which was allegedly missing behind the Serb’s lines. That news reporter wanted to write the Bosnia war story in a different angle – theContinuar lendo “Looking for the missing journalist (Bosnia 1995)”
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BLUE HELMETS
1 – Dress, think, talk, act and behave in a manner befitting the dignity of a disciplined, caring, considerate, mature, respected and trusted soldier, displaying the highest integrity and impartiality. Have pride in your position as a peace-keeper and do not abuse or misuse your authority. 2 – Respect the law of the land ofContinuar lendo “CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BLUE HELMETS”
Lavoisier Law for UN Military Observers – Lei de Lavoisier para Observadores Militares da ONU
The UNMO interpretation of Lavoisier’s Law, in a conflict area, is as follows: “Nothing can be created or destroyed, it can only be NEGOTIATED”. Para os Observadores Militares das Nações Unidas, numa zona de Conflito, a Lei de Lavoisier deve ler-se: “Nada ganha, nada se perde, tudo se negoceia”.
Sarajevo 1995 – as estradas do Monte Igman.
Em 1995, quando o Aeroporto de Sarajevo estava fechado tínhamos de entrar e sair da Cidade sitiada através do Monte Igman. Descer o Monte Igman não era só perigoso devido ao fogo dos snipers e das granadas RPG, era igualmente um perigo conduzir naquela estreita estrada de terra batida, com elevado grau de inclinação, eContinuar lendo “Sarajevo 1995 – as estradas do Monte Igman.”
Flying in the No Fly Zone – Bosnia 1995
During the conflict in Bosnia, the UN had imposed a No Fly Zone (NFZ) over the country. Only with a previous authorization by the UN could someone fly over Bosnia. In order to assure that NFZ the UN gave a mandate to NATO for the implementation of the necessary measures and, simultaneously, deployed UN MilitaryContinuar lendo “Flying in the No Fly Zone – Bosnia 1995”
“Cumulonimbus Africanis” – Angola 1992
The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep the pilot cool. Want proof? Make it stop; then watch the pilot break out into a sweat. That’s what the aviation joke says; but it couldn’t be more accurate regarding a pilot’s reaction to the loss of his propeller thrust.Continuar lendo ““Cumulonimbus Africanis” – Angola 1992″
Ramadan Mubarak – Tenha um Ramadão Abençoado
No dia 23 ou 24 de Abril de 2020 (dependendo da localização de cada país/território) irá ter inicio o mês islâmico sagrado do Ramadão. Folheando os meus apontamentos das missões de Apoio à Paz na ONU encontrei alguma informação pertinente que gostaria de partilhar com vocês. O Ramadão é a celebração do mês em queContinuar lendo “Ramadan Mubarak – Tenha um Ramadão Abençoado”
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