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Chapter Four
operations, such as deployment of observers, may be carried out by military or civilian personnel. The task is clearly military, however, where individuals are expected to defend themselves or to act as a physical
barrier between antagonists or where military assets or specialist military skills are required.
8. The British contribution to UN operations in the former Yugoslavia is outlined on page [ ]. As the UN's [second] largest troop contributor we also provide contingents in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Cambodia (UNTAC), Western Sahara (MINURSO) and Iraq/Kuwait (UNIKOM). As part of the general restructuring of UNFICYP, the size of the British contribution there which has been in-place since 1964 has been reduced by approximately 25%. Also as part of overall force restructuring, including the gradual withdrawal of the Hong Kong garrison, the British contingent of the UN honour guard in Korea, which comprised one
officer and 36 other ranks, was withdrawn in March.
Box: Yugoslavia
9.
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RAF Jaguars, together with aircraft from our US and French coalition partners, continued to fly reconnaissance missions over northern Iraq until they were replaced by Harrier GR7 aircraft in April. Since August the coalition has patrolled a similar no fly zone over southern Iraq. Both operations are in support of UN Security Council Resolution 688, which calls upon the Iraqi government to cease repression of its civilian population. On 13 and 18 January this year RAF Tornado aircraft participated in coalition action undertaken in self defence against Iraqi air defences in the southern no fly zone, which were threatening their safety. Severe damage was inflicted by coalition aircraft, enhancing
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CODE 18-77
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