Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-14

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] UNFICYP FORCE COMMANDER

[01] UNFICYP FORCE COMMANDER

Major General Liu succeeds Rear Admiral Mario Sanchez Debernardi of Peru, who completed his assignment on 31 December 2010.

The 51-year-old Chao Liu brings with him over 25 years of military and diplomatic experience, as he has served as the Military, Air and Naval Attache at the Embassy of China in India since 2008. Prior to this position, he had served as the Deputy Commander of a mechanized infantry division in Shen Yang Military Region since 2006.

He held various positions in the Ministry of National Defence, including as the Section Chief in charge of planning and coordination, Staff Officer, as well as a Regimental Commander in Shen Yang Military Region. During 1993-1994, he served in the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara as a military observer. Major General Liu is married and has one child.

In the announcement, the Secretary-General expressed his gratefulness for Rear Admiral Debernardis dedicated and effective service in UNFICYP over the past two and a half years.

This is the first time that a Chinese military officer is appointed as the Force Commander of UNFICYP.

Diplomatic sources consider that the appointment of a Chinese officer at this position upgrades the interest of China for the Cyprus issue.

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