While the bells will soon ring for Christmas in this country, around 640 Austrians around the world are working for security and the homeland in a number of problem areas…
“Creating peace and maintaining peace – our Austrian armed forces have been making an important contribution to international crisis and conflict management for decades” – is how Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) summarized the value of the red-white-red peace missions during her pre -Christmas visit to Kosovo Point.
However, recurring unrest would make clear how fundamentally important the presence of international organizations and Austria’s contribution are. During the video conference, the minister did not miss the opportunity to thank every soldier, including in Lebanon & Co., for their efforts and to wish them a blessed Christmas.
“The Christmas period is a special challenge for our soldiers. About 1,300 are currently in use at home and abroad. Sometimes under extremely challenging circumstances. It is therefore very important to allow a bit of silence and reflection to take place as much as possible.”
Christmas preparations in Lebanon
The mission at UNIFIL in Lebanon will continue unchanged during the Christmas holidays. Many Austrian soldiers will spend Christmas in the operating room. The tradition is lived as best as possible. That is why the soldiers decorate the Christmas trees in a festive and traditional way.
Due to the tense situation in the operational area, great importance is attached to camaraderie and cohesion within the contingent. If business operations permit, services will be reduced slightly during the holidays to facilitate recovery.
17 missions to problem areas worldwide
There are currently 640 military personnel deployed abroad in 17 missions, including 30 women. The strongest contingents are in Kosovo (KFOR, 170 people), in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR, 242 soldiers) and in Lebanon (UNIFIL, 170 people). Tanner: “Developments in Europe and the Middle East remain extremely dangerous.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
