Address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis at the
presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite”,
Nicosia, 04.09.12
It is with great pleasure that I present today the collective work “Denmark-Cyprus:
When the Vikings met Aphrodite”, the product of the fruitful cooperation between the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of History and Archeology of the
University of Cyprus. The publication represents also a token of appreciation and
recognition by Cyprus, which took over the Presidency of the Council of the European
Union from Denmark, for the long standing relations between our two countries and
people.
The book has been edited by the Professors of Modern History at the University of
Cyprus, Giorgos Georghis and Giorgos Kazamias, who head the research programme
“Eurodaktylios”. The important research undertaken aims to establish an information
data base on the historical, political, diplomatic, economic, commercial and cultural
relations of Cyprus with the other EU member states. I believe such publications
contribute to the development of cultural diplomacy and to the further growth of
relations, in this partiucular case, between Denmark and Cyprus.
As the editors explain in their introduction to the book, the initial aim was to produce a
small publication. In front of us, we have anything but a small volume. Quite clearly,
the research journey was very fruitful. The information and new facts brought to light
by the historians and researchers who contributed with texts are really impressive.
The contents of the book, a fascinating journey meandering through time, demonstrate
that, although geographically distant, the two countries are at the same time so close to
one another. There are chapters describing the excavations undertaken by Danish
archeologists on the island; Cypriot antiquities in Danish museums; the death of the
King of Denmark Eric Ejegod in Paphos; the relations between the two countries in the
Middle Ages; the consular presence of Denmark in Cyprus during the Ottoman rule; as
well as the diplomatic relations and official visits, the cultural, commercial, tourist and
other aspects of our relations.
Of particular significance are the chapters referring to the Danish contingent in the
United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus and the experiences and testimonies
of the Danish blue berets who served here. The Vikings who arrived on the island of
Aphrodite were soldiers of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus. From
1964 to 1992, 22623 Danish peacekeepers served in UNFICYP. Sadly, twenty five
died on the island. The book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite” is
dedicated to all Danish soldiers of peace who served in Cyprus and to the memory of
those who lost their lives serving peace.
As we all know, Cyprus is the only member state of the European Union today with
territory under foreign occupation. An island under occupation by Turkey whose
citizens have been forcibly ousted from their homes and properties; with the city of
Famagusta - a jewel in the Mediterranean - enclosed in barbed wire and with access
forbidden to its inhabitants; with towns and villages still under Turkish occupation;
churches and monasteries desecrated; with its capital, Nicosia, still divided as was
Berlin in former times. The President of the Republic and the Cyprus Government
continue their tireless efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the
reunification of the country and its people, for peace and prosperity for all Cypriots,
regardless of ethnic background, language or religion. A reunited Cyprus playing its
part to the fullest in the European Union, is the way forward. Such a solution would
send a strong message of hope not only for the region, but also globally.
When one looks at the mantra of the European Union, we think of the commitment to
progress and prosperity for all European citizens, the respect of human rights and the
development of possibilities for cooperation among its citizens and among the member
states. The Republic of Cyprus relies on these EU values and principles and on
cooperation with each member state individually and all member states collectively, in
order that the respect of human rights and the well being of the citizens fully apply to
Cyprus as well.
Before ending my brief remarks, I would like to thank the Rector of the University of
Cyprus, Professor Constantinos Christofides for his support to the program and for the
close cooperation of the University of Cyprus with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I wish
to extend my whole hearted congratulations and thanks to the Professor of Modern
History Giorgos Georghis, Director and Coordinator of the research program, and to
the Professor of European History Giorgos Kazamias, for his important contribution
serving as a consultant to the program.
I wish also to thank all the postgraduate researchers of the programme, the Cypriot
and Danish writers of the book and all who contributed with information, documents,
photographs and other material that made this significant publication possible. Special
thanks go to the Press and Information Office and especially to the personnel of the
photographic and documents archives for their kind assistance, to the publishing house
“En Typois” for this great publication, and the painter Erato Hadjisavva who created the
beautiful cover of the book.
Last but not least, I would like to thank Androula Lanitis, Director of Communication
Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who coordinates, on behalf of the Ministry the
research programme, as well as the publication of the four volumes issued to date.
The realisation of this publication, the fourth in a series, following those showcasing the
relations of Cyprus with Spain, Hungary and Poland, is a source of joy and satisfaction
for me personally, as I see coming to fruition the focus I have sought to give to the
development of cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Cyprus‟ relations with its
European Union partners.
Dear Kirsten, it is with great pleasure that I hand over to you the first copy of the book
“Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite” with the request that you forward
it to my colleague and friend, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Villy Søvndal
with my sincere congratulations on what has undoubtedly been a most successful
Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Address by the Ambassador of Denmark in Nicosia H.E. Mrs Kirsten Geelan at
the presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met
Aphrodite”, Nicosia, 04.09.12
Good morning!
Foreign Minister Marcoullis, Excellencies, dear colleagues!
First and foremost allow me to thank the Minister and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for
making this initiative possible in collaboration with the University of Cyprus and pay
tribute to the dedication of Professors Georghis and Kazamias in steering the project
through to its conclusion. An impressive achievement!
The book charts the history of Danish-Cypriot relations – dating back centuries! From
the time when the Danish King Erik Ejegod on his way to the Holy Land fell ill and died
in Cyprus – that was in 1103 – to increasing trade and commerce – the Danish
Governments decision to contribute to the Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus that was in
1964 – to the decision taken in Copenhagen (that was in 2002) to welcome Cyprus into
the EU.
Two small countries positioned at opposite ends of Europe. You may ask yourself –
what if anything binds the two Nations and people together? The answer to my mind is
very simple! The sea. The myths and wonders of the sea are intimately intertwined with
our culture and history. Stories of ancient Greek Gods and Viking Warriors continue to
inspire historical imagination and testify to the poetic narrative of the sea. Denmark has
more than 400 islands and like Cyprus is a seafaring nation – between us we host two
of the largest merchant fleets in the world. We may be small in size and population –
but that is exactly why we have maintained an outward looking perspective to engage
with the world, to trade, to communicate and to form partnerships.
The Danish contribution to UNFICYP Mission was based on this resolve and was the
first and largest Danish UN peacekeeping mission ever. For 25 years more than
20.000 Danish peacekeepers served in Cyprus and with this contribution Denmark saw
the beginning of an era of active engagement in peacekeeping and peace building
around the world, emphasizing Denmark‟s support for the international rule of law.
Back in 1964 the then Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Per Haekker up- when
explaining the reasoning for the Danish decision - focused on the importance of
“helping to preserve and strengthen the United Nations as an effective instrument for
peace and to bring about conditions which foster gradual progress toward the distant
but all-important goal” – peace!
Madam Minister,
The relationship between our two countries was further strengthened when Cyprus
joined the EU. A landmark moment was the Copenhagen Summit in 2002 which saw
the biggest enlargement of the European Union - including the accession of Cyprus.
Recently Denmark and Cyprus with our Polish colleagues have been working closely in
the TRIO of the EU Council Presidency. Together we have worked for a better Europe,
for jobs and for growth and with a shared ambition to move Europe beyond the crisis
without abandoning our social model. Together we have demonstrated a common
vision based on solidarity, cooperation and equal opportunity for all.
Madam Minister,
The book is dedicated to the thousands of Danish peacekeepers who came to the
island in the hour of need and for whom the island, its beauty and people remains
special! Those bonds - I should add - that every year hundreds of former Danish
peacekeepers visit the island and the areas where they served – and their experiences
and personal stories are perhaps the most important part of the tapestry of DanishCypriot relations.
Thank you.
--------------------------------
Address by the Dean of the Faculty of Letters of the University of Cyprus,
Assistant Professor of European History, Dr Georgios Kazamias at the
presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite”,
Nicosia, 04.09.12
Your Excellency Madame Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am here with a dual capacity: as Dean of the School of Letters and as one of the
participants to the programme. In this short contribution to today‟s event (and since I
am a historian) I believe I have to start by saying a few words about the history of this
initiative.
The volume that is being presented today is the result of the research programme
“Evrodaktylios” that is realized by a research team in the Department of History and
Archaeology of the University of Cyprus, under the direction of my colleague and friend
Giorgos Georgis who has the overall coordination and myself. The programme is being
supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, with the active
cooperation of her Excellency the Minister and many other Ministry officials. The aim of
this program is to create an information database on the relations of Cyprus with the
other EU member states; the idea originated with Giorgos Georgis, many years ago.
Without being deterred by the difficulties, Giorgos pursued the project; indeed, the
Minister during her previous term in office thought the idea exceptionally suited to the
framework of cultural diplomacy, which she had promoted to a central pillar of Cypriot
foreign policy. The efforts to realize the project and the necessary support came
together approximately three years ago, when the initial financial support for the first
volume was made available, leading to the publication of the volume on the relations
between Spain and Cyprus; this was followed by another three volumes, on Cyprus‟s
relations with Hungary, Poland and now this fourth volume on the relations between
Denmark and Cyprus.
This is not the first time the Department of History and Archaeology and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs cooperate; we have to mention the recent highly successful cooperation
between the two institutions regarding the question of commercial trading in Cypriot
antiquities in the US, as well as questions of protecting sites from illegal excavations
and / or the destructive effects of „development‟ of known archaeological sites in the
occupied territories, by, among others, the Turkish occupying troops.
Within this framework, we believe this project is another successful example of
cooperation between the Ministry and the Department of History and Archaeology of
the University of Cyprus. The creation of the database on which some of the texts were
based was complemented by chapters written by experts, each in her or his field, on
assorted subjects. Here history never ceases to surprise us. How deep can be the
relations between two faraway countries, on opposite sides of the European Continent
(one on the North-West, the other on the South East)? It will become apparent in the
volume that these realties are not only existing, but also cover (in different widths and
depths) close to a thousand years. Human relations and globalisation may have
increased and intensified in the past two centuries or so, but their roots are much
further back in time.
I would like to close by expressing, on behalf of the team that brought this part of the
project to fruition, our thanks to the many persons and institutions that helped us. First
and foremost our thanks go to here excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs
Erato Kozakou-Markoullis, who stood by us, supporting the project throughout. The
Director of the Communication Policy Division, Mrs Androulla Lanitou has been
instrumental in the realisation of the project. We should add our thanks to the
numerous members of the personnel of the Ministry who at times helped us bring the
project to fruition. Last, but by no means least, we feel a debt of honour to the
distinguished Danish archaeologists and the pioneer of Cypriot Archaeology, Prof.
Emeritus Vassos Karagiorgis, who have contributed to this volume.
We hope that this book will help us all realize that our differences are not an obstacle
to understanding each other better; there is the bridge of our common history and
experiences. Helping build this bridge is probably what academia in general and history
in particular can do best. Τhe „applied‟ part of these common experiences is, in the first
instance, in the able hands of diplomacy.
Address by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. George C. Kasoulides,
at the presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met
Aphrodite”, Copenhagen, 26.11.12
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Danish Defence Command,
Honorable veterans of the DANCON/UNFICYP missions,
Dear Professor Kazamias,
Let me start by welcoming you all in the residence of Cyprus. It is with great honor and
a feeling of accomplishment that we host so many of you here today and allow me to
say that we had so many requests from veterans to attend that we wish we could find
space for all 22.623 Danish soldiers that have dedicated part of their service to the
people of Cyprus.
Let me share with you that I dreamt of this project since I was first posted in Denmark. I
belong to this generation that grew up among the blue berets and I came to realize
early enough that their observation posts and white painted cars were offering us a
semblance of normality; they restrained violence and also invaluable humanitarian
assistance. I served my military time in the areas of Pyrgos Tyllirias, Kokkina and
Limnitis and I am sure they are familiar names to all of you. Part of my own village is in
the buffer zone since 1974 and I spent long days and nights cultivating the land under
the unwavering protection of the peacekeepers. I therefore, felt that I had a debt and a
responsibility to do something for all those people who left part of their lives and
memories in the land of my ancestors and the 25 who made the ultimate sacrifice. I
salute you all. I got the perfect opportunity, when the Government approved the
project to publish a book about the historic relations of Denmark and Cyprus and the
descent of the Vikings in the island of Cyprus, not as invaders or warriors but as
peacekeepers and pacifiers. I was determined that this was the perfect opportunity to
honour and meet at least some of those people who gave Cyprus so much.
The book „‟Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite”, is the product of the
cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of History and
Archeology of the University of Cyprus. It is a token of appreciation and recognition by
Cyprus, which took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from
Denmark, for the long standing relations between our two countries and people.
The book is a tribute to the historical, political, diplomatic, economic, commercial and
cultural relations between our two countries and contributes to the development and
growth of relations between Cyprus with Denmark. A great deal is said on the death of
the King of Denmark Eric Ejegod in Pafos; the excavations undertaken by Danish
archeologists on the island; the origin of the Cypriot antiquities in Danish museums; the
relations between the two countries in the Middle Ages; the consular presence of
Denmark in Cyprus during the Ottoman rule.
A significance part of the book is dedicate to you, the Danish contingent in the United
Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus and the experiences and testimonies of the
Danish blue berets who served there. A tribute to the soldiers of peace, memorial to
your friends and companions who lost their lives serving peace.
But today we have the pleasure to have here with us one of the two editors of the book,
Associate Professor of Modern European History at the University of Cyprus Giorgos
Kazamias, who will give us a much more comprehensive account of the book and its
contents. Without any further ado, I shall pass on to him the presentation of the book.
Ambassador (2) – after Professors are finished with presentation
And now, Mr. Vice-President of the Blue Berets society, Mr. Nielsen, Please accept this
commemorative plaque from the Republic of Cyprus as a tribute to all members of the
DANCON/UNFICYP mission that have served in Cyprus, with the wish that their efforts
for peace and stability will be realized and soon they will return to Cyprus knowing that
their mission was accoplished.
---------------------------
Address by the Dean of the Faculty of Letters of the University of Cyprus,
Assistant Professor of European History, Dr Georgios Kazamias at the
presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings met Aphrodite”,
Copenhagen, 26.11.12
Your Excellency,
Honoured Guests,
I am here in a dual capacity: as Dean of the School of Letters of the University of
Cyprus and as the co-editor of the volume presented today. Unfortunately, my
colleague and friend Dr. Giorgos Georgis, with whom I have worked for this book has
been unable to attend at the last minute, due to illness.
How deep can be the relations between two faraway countries, on opposite sides of
the European Continent (one on the North-West, the other on the South East)? It will
become apparent to the readers of the volume Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings
met Aphrodite, that the links between the two countries cover (in different widths and
depths) close to a thousand years, spanning timefrom the medieval age, to Danish
consular presence in Ottoman Cyprus, to modern intercultural communication, trade,
tourism, economic and diplomatic relations and other. The volume contains chapters
on these and many other subjects.
However, in this presentation I shall focus on three areas covered by the book.
I shall begin with what is probably the most visible and lasting link, that of
Antiquities.
Next, there will be a historical sketch of the links between Cyprus and
Denmark through time;
the presentation will end with a section on what I believe is the most important
recent contribution of Denmark to Cyprus and peace, a focal point of the
relations between the two countries, the Danish contingent in UNFICYP, the
United Nations Force in Cyprus.
Probably the most visible sign of Cypriot presence in Denmark, is in the field of
antiquities and archaeology.
Cyprus antiquities are present in the collection of the National Museum of Denmark.
The collection National Museum was created by donations and purchases(sometimes
of entire collections),mainly in the 19th century. These include outstanding vases,
statuettes and pottery. Many of the Cypriot objects in the National Museum of Denmark
come from the Danish Archaeological Expedition to the Greek island of Rhodes in the
years of 1902-1914, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation.
The Ny Carlsberg Sculpture Gallery also presented its Cypriot collection in a special
room in the early 1990‟s and an accompanying catalogue was published in 1992 by
Anne Marie Nielsen. Although this collection is smaller than the collection of the
National Museum, it contains some outstanding objects of Cypriot art.
Support from the A.G. Leventis Foundation made possible the renovation of the
exhibition space in both collections, as well as other activities. It can only be seen as a
token of gratitude for the multiple contributions of Denmark to Cyprus.
Beyond exhibition of antiquities, cooperation in archaeology has also been fertile. Its
beginning is traced back to 1970, when Dr. Vassos Karageorghis, at the time Director
of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, gave a lecture at Copenhagen University,
entitled "News from the ongoing excavations at Kition." For many in the audience, this
was their first contact with Cypriot archaeology; for some it was the beginning of a
journey: every year between 1971 and 1974, four students of archaeology from
Copenhagen participated in the excavations at Kition. In 1979, Lone Wriedt Sorensen,
who had begun her studies with field archaeology at Kition, was among the leading
members of a Canadian topographic survey around the town Palaipafos, known today
as Kouklia in the western part of Cyprus.
Three years later, the University of Aarhus began a topographic study of the Akamas
Peninsula in the western region of Cyprus, led by Jane Fejfer and Hans Eric Mathisen.
Danish archaeological presence in Cyprus continued with the University of
Copenhagen‟s excavation of a rural village in Aradippou near Kition, under the
direction of Lone Wriedt Sorensen, between 1991 and 1999.
In 1989, the first systematic excavation of the late Roman or early Byzantine settlement
of St. Conon, in the Akamas peninsula was also a Danish project, by a group of Danish
archaelogists, funded by the Carslberg Foundation.
The first recorded event regarding the relations between Cyprus and Denmark dates
to the early 12th century and refers to the visit of King of Denmark Eric, known as the
"always good» (Ejagod = The always good), who died and was buried in Cyprus. The
Danish King visited Cyprus as a pilgrim on his way to the Holy Land. He never reached
Palestine. A high fever forced him to interrupt his journey in Cyprus, where he died on
July 10, 1103, in Paphos (the Bastaborg of Saxo Grammaticus, the Basta or Beffa of
Scandinavian and other Western travelers). According to the sources he had predicted
the day of his death and indicated where he wanted to be buried. He was buried with
royal honors, probably in the cathedral, however no sign of his tomb has been located.
Today a plaque in the ruins of the former Paphos cathedral serves as a memorial to
the King and a street in the same town is named after him.
Another milestone in the relations between Cyprus and Denmark during the third
decade of the 15th century, was the visit of the King of Denmark Eric VII (1396-1459),
also known as Eric Duke of Pomerania (Erik afPommern) to Cyprus, during his journey
to the Holy Land.
In the opposite direction, an interesting figure, who left a mark in Copenhagen in the
first half of the 17th century, is the Cypriot scholar and traveler Matthew Moutti.
Archdeacon Matthew, arrived in Copenhagen (Hafnium), in 1637, during the reign of
Christian IV (1588-1648); in 1638 he received aid for the publication of his work The
Holy Catechism, which was written in the spoken (demotic) Greek language, intended
for the Greek children. His book is the only Greek language book published in
Denmark before 1800. Matthew stayed in Copenhagen approximately two years.
Following an agreement in 1756 between Denmark and the Ottoman Empire, Denmark
began to establish consulates in various parts of the empire. The Danish consulate in
Cyprus was established in the 1780, probably before 1787. It was based in Larnaca, at
the time the fifth most important port in the Eastern Mediterranean trade routes. In the
18th century, we have recorded references to Danish merchants and officials in
Larnaca, alongside other foreign merchants. The Danish consuls were often local, such
as Constantine Tanos, the Danish consul in Cyprus in the years before 1817.
The first Consul of Denmark after the cession of Cyprus to the British, was appointed in
April 1887. He was Charles Watkins, director of the Imperial Ottoman Bank in Cyprus,
and already a consular representative of Sweden and Norway. Watkins enjoyed
particular popularity in Larnaca, because of his active participation in city life, but
mainly because he represented the homeland of the Danish king George I, of the
Hellenes. Watkins truly honored his position as consul of Denmark. Until his death in
1895 in Larnaca he was one of the more prominent and active and citizens of the city.
An interesting chapter, albeit in an oblique way, is the devotion of Greek Cypriots to the
Royal House of Denmark. In 1880s Cyprus, the developing movement for Enosis
(Union) with Greece, naturally made the Greek Cypriots look up to George I King of the
Greeks, originally Prince Christian Wilhelm Ferdinand Adolf Georg of SchleswigHolstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, second son of King Christian X of Denmark.
Fifty one years later, on September 18, 1964, Constantine II, grandson to King George
I of Greece, celebrated his marriage to Princess Anna-Maria, daughter of Frederick IX,
King of Denmark. Cyprus was represented at the wedding by the President of the
Republic Archbishop Makarios. The Cypriot press describes the very warm reception
reserved for Makarios, by the large crowd lining the street on the way to the cathedral
in Athens, where the wedding took place. In Cyprus, the day of the wedding of the King
of Greece and the Danish Princess was declared a holiday.
After the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, a new type of links began to
develop: diplomatic and interparliamentary relations and official visits, formed a
framework of inter-state cooperation.
The Republic of Cyprus and the Kingdom of Denmark established diplomatic relations
on November 2, 1960, just a few months after the Republic of Cyprus was established.
The first Danish ambassador was accredited in Nicosia, based in Rome, was
HolsetPek, who presented his credentials to the President of Cyprus Archbishop
Makarios on 25 January 1961.
The Danish embassy office was upgraded to embassy level on June 9, 1967. In 1970
the first ambassador of Cyprus in Denmark was accredited.
Common participation in international organizations has steadily built up links between
the two countries, as did official visits. Since the first visit of President Makarios to
Copenhagen in August 1968, a steady stream of official visitors have developed the
formal links between the two countries. The last in the long stream was the current
President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, who visited Copenhagen on January 11,
2012.
Bilateral links became even closer after Cyprus acceded to the EU. Probably the
pinnacle of bilateral cooperation came in 2012, when Cyprus also succeeded Denmark
in the EU rotating Presidency. Indeed, on July 5, 2012 President Demetris Christofias
after congratulating the Prime Minister of Denmark Helle Thorning-Schmidt, on the
completion of a successful Danish EU presidency, he thanked the Prime Minister for
the close cooperation between the two countries.
After independence, cultural exchanges in the fields of film, music, dance, the fine arts,
education and general cultural events became more frequent.
Among the recent cultural events, is one that took place on June 16, 2012, in the city of
Aarhus, when the photographic exhibition dedicated to Famagusta took place, entitled
«The Ghost of Cyprus: A photographic exhibition about the town of Famagusta». The
exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Cyprus in Copenhagen, on the occasion
of the assumption of the EU Presidency by Cyprus. Almost simultaneously, between 19
and 22 June 2012, a Week of Danish Documentary Film was held in Nicosia by the
Pharos Arts Foundation and the Danish Embassy in Cyprus. All the films had as
backbone human stories that transcend borders and cultures.
In trade, probably the longest and strongest link is to be found in … beer. In 1966, an
agreement was signed creating Carslberg Cyprus; for almost half a century Carlsberg
beer maintains a strong presence in Cyprus, developing robust commercial and
cultural bonds between Cyprus and Denmark. The company and its president Fotos
Fotiades, have, for 46 years, played an informally ambassadorial role for Denmark in
Cyprus. They have been the main factors of a stable and dynamically developing
cooperation and exchanges between the two friendly countries. In Cyprus, Carlsberg
has been a strong supporter of a wide range of activities, including the areas of culture,
education and sport.
Copenhagen in particular has already secured a place in the recent history of Cyprus,
since it was here that the biggest enlargement in the history of the EU was finally
agreed, with the members rising to twenty-seven. For Cyprus, Copenhagen was the
end of a long and difficult march, since it was here that it was decided that the Republic
of Cyprus fulfilled all EU requirements and indicators of harmonization and could enter
the European Union as a full member.
Michael Møller, a Danish diplomat was closely associated with Cyprus. His
appointment as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus began
in May 2005 and ended three years later, in April 2008. Ηis service in Cyprus was
marked by the Agreement of July 8, 2006, which set the groundwork for restarting the
talks between the Greek- and Turkish Cypriots in the quest for a solution to the Cyprus
problem. Møller was the person who had to handle Another event that marked his
presence in Cyprus, was the opening of the Ledra Street crossing in Nicosia in April
2008. The Danish UN official left the island in April 2008 having, shown during his stay
integrity, objectivity and professionalism.
We now turn to you, Gentlemen and Ladies, the members of the Danish Contingent of
UNIFICYP. You certainly have much more first-hand knowledge on this than me, but
please allow me to try my hand on the subject.
In 1964 Cyprus was in the grip of the inter-communal clashes that had broken out in
December 1963. In March 4, 1964, the Security Council adopted Resolution 186, which
created UNFICYP (United Nations Force in Cyprus). The force was mandated to
maintain peace and security on the island by preventing the recurrence of new
outbreaks of conflict and help restore normalcy.
The first Danish contingent consisted of 976 Danish soldiers, who came to Cyprus
between May 14 and June 10, 1964. Along with the Danish military, there also came
41 members of the Danish police, that formed DANCIvPOL (Danish Civil Police), which
was part of the United Nations police. Though the Danish police left in 1975, the
Danish contingent remained in Cyprus for almost three decades: the last 340 Danish
soldiers, were withdrawn in 1992, 28 years after the arrival of the first contingent. The
total number of Danish peacekeepers who served in Cyprus throughout the 28 years,
is estimated at over 22,000.
The Danish Contingent served first in the area of Nicosia (their first Headquarters was
in the Ledra Palace Hotel, on the Green Line dividing the capital of Cyprus); it later
moved to the west of the island, covering (among others) the area of Xeros, Limnitis
and Kokkina. The Danish Contingent was very much involved in local life: they offered
help to Greek and Turkish Cypriots as required, often saving lives in the process; they
showed an interest in the history and archaeology of Cyprus and visited the sights; and
in 1974, tried valiantly but in vain, to keep the peace in their allocated sector, during the
Turkish invasion.
While in Cyprus, the Danish contingent made efforts to keep alive among its members
the Danish customs: celebrations for Christmas and the New Year, Midsummer, Flag
Day but also new customs, such as the two-day DanCon March in the Troodos
Mountains (25 kilometers over two days, twice a year) and the Danish Parade; all this
entered in a greater or lesser extent into the life of Danes and Cypriots.
Some of the Danish soldiers who served in Cyprus, wrote and published their
experiences in books and articles in various journals. AageJørgensen in his book
Cyperniflammer1 (Cyprus in flames) describes the role of UNFICYP and the actions of
Danish soldiers during the Turkish invasion on July 20, 1974. These books are a
lasting memorial to the time Danish soldiers spent in Cyprus. They contain aspects of
their mandate on the island, but they also include enchanting details of their daily life
and their contacts with the locals2: among them, a meeting of the military chaplains
with Archbishop Makarios, a local wedding (so different from Danemark!) that also set
out in bold relief the differences of the soldiers from the many UN contingents that
attended; daily life in camp and outside it; all shared experiences that mutually enrich
our knowledge of each other!
The departure of the last unit of the Danish Contingent from Cyprus in 1992 was a sad
day. Over the 28-year-old history of the Danish peace mission, 25 Danes lost their lives
on the island of Cyprus. Most fell victim to accidents, , either in the course of duty or off
duty. Two lost their lives tragically in the last days of the Turkish invasion of 1974,
when their vehicle hit a mine.
The sacrifices the Danish soldiers of peace made for Cyprus are not forgotten, as
shown by the monument for the two Danish dead in Ampelikou, the cross in the
mountains of Machairas in memory of the deceased Sergeant Niels Verner Haahr
Larsen and also by the statement of the President Makarios, for the dead of the peacekeepers: «We will never forget their sacrifices and we will always be grateful for what
they did, thus honoring their memory."
It is to these men that the formal dedication of the book Denmark-Cyprus refers:
When the Vikings met Venus3 is dedicated to the memory of the 25 Danish soldiers
who were killed in Cyprus: The Vikings who arrived in Cyprus were soldiers of peace.
22623 Danish soldiers have served in Cyprus. 25 of them died on the island. The book
is dedicated to their memory.
Thank you for your attention.
1
AageJørgensen, Cypern i flammer.Jøn Presseservice, 1977.
Neils Carl Lilleor. MellemCikaderogCypresser: 25 ar for freden pa Cypern. Odense Universitetsforlag
1989,PerGylling, Soldat pa Cypern, Copenhagen 2009.
3ΓιώργοςΓεωργής-ΓιώργοςΚαζαμίαςεπιμ., Δανία-Κύπρος: ΌτανοιΒίκιγκςσυνάντησαντηνΑφροδίτη
(Denmark-Cyprus: WhentheVikingsmetVenus), Nicosia 2012.
2
Address by the Vice-President of „The „Blue Berets‟ society, Lieutenant-Colonel
Peter Kragh Nielsen, at the presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the
Vikings met Aphrodite”, Copenhagen, 26.11.12
Allow me to thank the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus for making this event
possible to us veterans of the Danish Contribution to the United Nation Peacekeeping
Forces in Cyprus.
Also allow me on behalves of the veterans to convoy the thanks of this Award telling “
Republic of Cyprus - Awarded to DANCON/UNFICYP veterans in recognition of three
decades (1964-1995) of selfless service to the people of Cyprus. Copenhagen, 26
November 2012”.
And finally allow me to pay tribute to the dedication of the two Professors (Georghis
and Kazamias) - and other authors of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the Vikings
met the Afrodite” in steering the project through to its conclusion. An impressive
achievement!
We have not yet had the opportunity to read the book but are looking forward to do so.
We understand that the book charts the history of Danish-Cypriot relations – some of
the milestones in the spectra are:
the Danish King Erik Ejegod death in Cyprus on his way to the holy land - that was
in 1103 . . .
the Danish Governments decision to contribute to the Peacekeeping Mission in
Cyprus - that was in 1964 –
the decision to welcome Cyprus into the EU, - that was in Copenhagen in 2002…
and during all the centuries - increasing trade and commerce.
Allow me to pay special attention to The Danish contribution to UNFICYP Mission.
It was one of the first and largest Danish UN peacekeeping missions – so fare. . .
For 31 years more than 20.000 Danish peacekeepers served in Cyprus . . .
In the beginning mainly in the Nicosia District Area . . . later on - and for the main part
of the time - the DANCON was in Command of Sector 1 in Lefka District Area with
forces in Xeros, Skoriotissa, Limnitis and Kokkina . . .
With this contribution Denmark saw the beginning of an era of active engagement in
peace-support operations and peace building around the world, emphasizing
Denmark‟s support for the international rules of law.
So to us veterans the chapters in the book focusing on the Danish Contributions to
UNFICYP are of special interest.
For the young Danish soldiers (men/women) it was a strong and unforgettable
experience to be deployed to another environment 1000 of kilometres from a safe
“everyday” in Denmark. . . To be deployed to support the peacekeeping process – to
be deployed to make a different. . .
During our service and stay in Cyprus the kindness of the people of Cyprus . . . the
beauty of the island . . . and the exiting history of Cyprus captured a place in our hearts
. . . Many Veterans and teams from DANCON/UNFICYP still - on a regular basis make reunions in Cyprus to recall and re-visit the scenes of their service for peace in
Cyprus.
Thus it is a great honour to us veterans of DANCON/UNFICYP . . . that The People of
Cyprus - by this awards and this book – signify that our effort during all these years - is
worth to remember and honour…. Of all the countries in which Danish veterans have
been deployed in the Service of Peace, Cyprus is - until now - the only nation which
have recognised our effort in this magnificent way, so on behalves of all these veterans
“Thank you very much”.
Peter Kragh Nielsen
Lt-Col
Vice-President of the Blue Berets / Denmark
--------------------------Address by the founder and first President of „The Blue Berets‟ society Captain
Torben-Nielsen, at the presentation of the book “Denmark-Cyprus: When the
Vikings met Aphrodite”, Copenhagen, 26.11.12
Mr. Ambassador and UN veterans DANCON / UNFICYP.
It is with great pride and gratitude that I know this event must say a few words.
This arrangemenwt ith the releaseo f the book "Denmark-CyperW. hen the Vikingsm et
Aphrodite "willfor us UN cyprus soldiers stand as a memorable symbol and a clear
expression of the recognition of our efforts in the peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
We are UN-Cyprus-soldiersv ery proud.
In fact, we have no knowledge that any other government in the world in this way have
expressed their recognition of a Danish UN soldier's efforts for their country.
Governmentof Cyprus is the first with an acknowledgment.
We Danish UN soldiers will never forget our island of Cyprus.
What the cause of the Danish UN soldier positive experience from service in Cyprus
can be many things:
Perhaps DANCON I UNFICYP a challenge and a unique experience?
Maybei t was becauseo f the Cypriotp eople- religiousc risis- friendlinessa nd
hospitalityo f the DanishU N soldier?
Maybe it was Cyprus lovely nature, its beauty and amazing climate?
' Maybe it wai all three things together, which gave us a good experience.
The first Danish UN soldiers came to Cyprus in 1964. At that time it was a Dane the
first flight and first trip outside Denmark.
All Danish UN soldiers have signed up to volunteer service.
The motivationfo r UN servicec ould be, for example:
To make a big difference from being passive to work actively for peace.
A manhood try to convince ourselves and others that we dare and to dedicate are
good soldiers.
Adventure and desire to experience something new.
But not least that we as a Danish soldier hoped that our efforts could help to save
lives.
Today, many thousands Dane chosen Cyprus as their destinations.
We understand.
I was in the fortunate position that I since 1970 for several years, twice a year
visited DANCON / UNFICYP.
In this way, I followedt he island'sd evelopmenat nd saw that the mountainsw ere
green and the small winding roads were relieved of motorways and not least, I
experienced greater openness and movement on the island.
Good to see and good for Cyprus.
We Danish UN soldiers through DANCON / UNFICYP had a unique and
unforgettablee xperienceh ome from Cyprus.
But we remembera lsot o commemorateth e 25 DanishU N soldiersw ho lostt heir
lives in Cyprus.
I will finallym entiont hat UN servicei n Cyprusn ot only havee xperiencesU. N
service has also created a good friendship and a close friendship for life.
In September1 965,d uringa watch on the "GreenL ine"i n Nicosia,w as Richard
Buxbom and I agree that when we came home to Denmark, we willwith the help
gather and revisit our UN colleagues.
It was the 26th October1 968s tarto f UN SoldiersA ssociationT he Blue Berets.T he
name is now changed to The Blue Berets, Denmark InternationalVeteran
Organization.
' Here we meet and remember the good otd days of Cyber.
Thank you for your tireless efforts Richard Buxbom.
I would also allow me to thank you Erik Hansen for your hard work in cyprus
soldiers. You have taken the initiative to many activities and not least made contact
with the Cypriot Embassy in Denmark.
With this arrangement, the Cypriot Government through the Cypriot Embassy in
Denmark where the Danish UN peacekeepers deployed in DANCON / UNFICYP an
appreciation that we and the Danish people can be proud of.
We will continue with pride and honor carries the blue beret.
GET UP!