Béni, 26 February 2011 – The Jordanian Special Force currently deployed in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) held a medal parade on 26 February. MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant-General Chander Prakash presided over the ceremony which took place in Beni, North Kivu province, where the Jordanian Special Company is stationed.

Col Al-Smadi Abdel Sallam, Commander of the Jordanian Special Force, told his men: "receiving these medals strengthened our commitment to achieving our goals. The medals awarded to our officers and soldiers are not just pieces of metal; more importantly they offer a recognition that these officers and soldiers can be proud of."

Lt-Gen. Prakash noted on his part that the Jordanian Armed Forces have long been among the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. For example, he reminded his audience, Jordan contributed 60,000 troops to the UN operation in Angola in 1989.

Moussa Demba Diallo/ MONUSCO