Sinai continuation wanted

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 23

Sinai continuation wanted

PA Wellington New Zealand would like to remain in the Sinai multi-national peace-keep-ing force after its commitment expires next year, according to defence briefing papers. When New Zealand’s commitment to the force expired on March 31 the Ministry of Defence expected to be asked to continue to support the force’s work. The papers said the Ministry would welcome continuation of the present system, which was

the only exposure New Zealand defence personnel had to peace-keeping work. “The M.F.O. gives invaluable multi-national experience and serves to keep the New Zealand commitment to peacekeeping to the fore," they said. The New Zealand contingent comprised 12member Army training and advisory teams, which remained for periods of six months; and two personnel, one of which was the New Zea-

land commander, on attachment to the force commander’s staff. About 28 New Zealanders served in Sinai each year. New Zealand paid for the contingent as if it were stationed in New Zealand, and' the multinational force paid all other costs arising from deployment in Sinai. The training and advisory team’s role was to develop and assess common operating procedures and training schemes for the 10 national contingents.