With blue beret and Serbia in heart: Farewells to 70 military peacekeepers in Africa, 25 of them women (PHOTO)

Serbian contingent has 70 people, of which 25 are women, and they have been officially sent into peace operation of UN in Central African Republic (MINUSCA). 

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Official farewell has been organized in barracks "Banjica 2" in Belgrade, in the presence of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic. 

70 members of the Serbian military has been sent to Central African Republic who will be engaged in medical care of forces in operation MINUSCA.

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

Draganic has handed the flag to the contingent commander of the Army of Serbia Colonel Dragan Antic and wished that our flag remains waving high.

- Do your job with honor and responsibility in this peace mission, with the pride of the Military and the state of Serbia. Good luck - said Draganic on what Antic responded:

- With blue beret and with Serbia in heart, we will complete our tasks with courage and dignity, proudly representing Serbia. We serve to Serbia. 

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

He said that on almost entire territory of Central African Republic there are Christian and Muslim fractions in conflict and this is probably one of the most dangerous missions Serbian army is participating.

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

Members of the Ministry of defense and Serbian Army are engaged in total of 11 missions, 7 UN and four EU. Currently 326 people are engaged. Draganic said in his speech that the contingent is sent into operation in accordance with Serbia's commitment as an equal partner to contribute to peace and safety in region and in world. He pointed that Serbian army increases its presence in missions around the world and that Serbia's soldiers have good results.

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

- They are seen as highly professional, honorable and responsible peacekeepers - said Draganic adding that they contribute to Serbia's reputation around the world.

As he said, it has been two years since the army has been in the mission in Central African Republic and in that period they took care of 20.000 patients, they cured 1.300 people from malaria, did 210 complex surgeries and 140 medical evacuations, 2.400 dental examinations and took care of 620 members with injuries in mission.

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

- You have passed complex and demanding training and do your tasks with honor and responsibility. Act humanely, according to Hippocratic oath, as it suits Serbian soldier and a doctor. Serbian Army will take care about the safety during your mission. Return safely - said Draganic.

Foto: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

Antic told to the press that the contingent consists out of Military hospital, logistics, and a small command.

- Situation is very complex, numerous safety and health challenges are accompanying the mission - he said.

(Telegraf.co.uk / Tanjug)