Kinshasa, 14 July 2010- The United Nations Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative in the DRC, Leila Zerrougui, the Tunisian Ambassador to the DRC, and the MONUSCO Deputy Force Commander attended a ceremony in Kinshasa to bid farewell to Tunisian peacekeepers as their contingent will be leaving MONUSCO in the coming weeks after ten years of service in the country. They first arrived in the mission in 2001 with a force of 250 soldiers and were later reinforced with 110 more blue helmets in 2003.

The Tunisian blue helmets will be leaving MONUSCO in four phases as part of the drawdown called for by resolution 1925 of the UN Security Council. The first group of 104 troops already left the country on July 14th. The next group will leave on July 20th while the dates for the last two departures have yet to be set.

Presenting Tunisian peacekeepers with the UN medal at the beginning of the ceremony, DSRSG Leila Zerrougui said that "this medal is awarded in recognition of the exemplary work within the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo"

Referring to the important role played by the Tunisians, Ms Zerrougui emphasized in her speech that their contingents served under the successive mandates of MONUC, working in places like Kinshasa, Matadi and Bozene with equal dedication and commitment. Whether dealing with humanitarian activities, providing protection for local populations or UN staff and assets, they contributed to enhancing security in their respective areas of deployment.

Ms Zerrougui also noted that "apart from securing the mission's assets and staff, the contingent took part in operation « Western Thrust » in Bozene in Equateur province between 2009 and 2010 where it demonstrated great professionalism." She said the good work done by Tunisian blue helmets reflects Tunisia's longstanding dedication to contribute to peacekeeping missions in Africa and around the world.

Ms Zerrougui concluded her remarks by wishing the outgoing contingent a safe trip back to their country and their respective families.

This was followed by a military parade after which the Tunisians treated their guests to martial arts demonstrations and then to Tunisian lunch.