Bukavu, 23 March 2011 – While on a field trip to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Roger Meece, attended a medal parade by the Pakistan contingent on 23 March in Bukavu. The Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) was also on hand for the parade, along with a number of high-ranking provincial authorities. Among these also were the President of the Provincial Assembly, the Mayor of Bukavu, the Commander of the 10th Military Region, and the Police Chief of South Kivu province.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General lauded the Pakistani peacekeepers for their achievement in the province, ranging from protecting civilians -- especially through Operations "Amani Leo" and "Protection Shield" -- to rehabilitating infrastructure through Quick Impact Projects and the provision of emergency assistance to the local population.

The current contingent of 3,500 troops arrived in the DRC in November 2009 and their rotation will be completed by the end of May. Pakistani peacekeepers were first deployed to the DRC in 2004.

Lieutenant Colonel Liaqat Ali Qamar/ MONUSCO