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General Rajender Singh Takes Over As Unmee Force Commander

United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (Addis Ababa)
PRESS RELEASE
July 27, 2004
Posted to the web July 27, 2004
Addis Ababa
Major-General Rajender Singh has formally taken over command of the UNMEE
Peacekeeping Force. The new Force Commander replaces Major-General Robert
Gordon, who served UNMEE as Force Commander for 21 months. Major- General
Singh, 56, is the third Force Commander in UNMEE.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Asmara on Friday 25th July, Major-
General Gordon said in the 21 months he has commanded the UNMEE Force, the
period had "been challenging, certainly stimulating, very often frustrating,
but always enjoyable.
The Force and the Mission has achieved much in the last 21 months and I would
like to pay tribute to the Force (troops and military observers) for their
commitment and enthusiasm" he said, adding that he had been "a very lucky
General indeed to have commanded such well disciplined and well trained
peacekeepers."
Major-General Gordon said he was leaving UNMEE with the full knowledge that the
Force was in excellent heart and was well placed to continue with its mandate
of keeping the peace in the border area to allow political progress. "I am
satisfied that I leave UNMEE's Force in good order and in good heart," he
concluded.
For his part, the new Force Commander, Major General Singh, while paying
tribute to his predecessor for serving UNMEE with " dedication and
professionalism," reminded the Peacekeeping Forces that they were the
custodians of the great heritage and values of the United Nations and that they
should be constantly reminded that the reputation of the UN was in their hands.
"Under no circumstances," he told them, "should we do anything which brings the
UN's name into disrepute. The sensitivities of the people of the countries
where we are operating should always and every time be respected. Ill
discipline has no place while performing the peacekeeping tasks. The hallmark
of all peacekeeping is restraint and impartiality."
"It shall be my endeavour," he continued, "to uphold the highest standards of
human values and UN working ethos. So let us today reaffirm our pledge to work
with additional vigour, commitment and full impartiality to bring about lasting
peace."
The ceremony was attended by the Special Representative of the Secretary
General, Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, the Deputy Special Representative of the
Secretary General in Addis Ababa, Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye, Eritrean government
officials, members of the diplomatic corps in Asmara, staff of UNMEE and local
civilians.
150 troops drawn from all the contingents serving in UNMEE participated in the
Parade for the occasion accompanied by the Indian Battalion band.
The new Force Commander comes to UNMEE with a wealth of experience and has
expressed his optimism of a high probability of the Mission's success in the
attainment of its mandate.

   

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