OP SNOWGOOSE Cyprus Presentation

Cyprus has been a gateway to and from the Middle East throughout history. Today’s conflict once again confirms its strategic positioning. Iran's targeting of Cyprus to deny its use as a staging area and the international community’s reinforcement has once again threatened the safety and security of this Island.

Unfortunately, turmoil is nothing new for Cyprus. It has long been the site of a surrogate struggle between Greece and Turkey who both have ethnic communities sharing this beautiful small island. In 1964, Canada spearheaded a UN force to the island with the mandate to maintain the uneasy peace and provide a stable environment for the communities to coexist.

The video presentation will feature how the peacekeeping mission in Cyprus was on the verge of failure when Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 in response to the Greek inspired Coup d’état. But instead of withdrawing, Canada held fast and reinforced their small 450 man contingent. Two of the veterans from that war LGen Marc Caron (Retd) and LCol Ron Bragdon (Retd) will share their memories and join MGen Clive Milner (Retd) who served as a peacekeeper in the early days and was the only Canadian Commander of UNFICYP from 89-92.

The aim of the presentation is to ensure that Operation SNOWGOOSE is not a forgotten mission and that Canadians remember how our soldiers stood their ground when they were caught in the crossfire of the war in Cyprus. They were hailed as the saviours of Nicosia by the international press.