Peacekeeping in Sinai
In February 2015, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Egypt, which was called historical and timely.
Now our compatriots know Egypt mainly from a tourist and recreational point of view. But in Egypt there is also a peacekeeping aspect. Egypt is actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations. On the other hand, UN peacekeeping operations were conducted three times on the Sinai Peninsula (1956, 1967 and 1973 – 1979 years). In addition, an alternative peacekeeping operation is being carried out in Sinai - the multinational force and observers, but without UN participation.
For several years, the author of these lines had to walk along peace roads on the legendary Sinai - from 1973 to 1980 a year, to serve as a UN military observer both during the creation of the Emergency Armed Forces (UNEF-2 - FWS-2) in 1973 and in disbandment in 1979 – 1980. We were peacemakers of a great power. Russian peacekeepers in Egypt in the past century have left a deep imprint under the blue flag of the United Nations. They passed the fire and water of the Suez Canal and the Sinai sands.
UN PEACEKEEPING IN EGYPTIAN
In January, Egypt sent 2014 to the UN peacekeeping missions: police officers - 424, military observers - 74, military personnel - 2130, all 2628 people in military uniforms. Peacekeepers sent to eight UN missions.
By the number of troops supplied, Egypt ranks tenth (from 121), and by the number of military observers - the fourth place. Egyptian military contingents were sent to countries and areas such as Congo (human 1004), Darfur (887), Cote d'Ivoire (174), Mali (61).
Egyptian police units operate in Congo (140 people) and Darfur (140 people). Separate police officers sent to six missions. The largest number of Egyptian military observers are in Congo - 23 and in Western Sahara - 21.
Recall that the Egyptian peacekeeping contingent 50 years ago was part of the peacekeeping mission in the Congo. The Egyptian contingent was commanded by Saad Al-Shazli, the future chief of staff and the hero of the October war 1973.
HISTORICAL PEACEFUL CONTRACT
2015 marks the 35 anniversary of the creation of a peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula called the Multinational Force and Observers. This mission can be considered an alternative (regional) peacekeeping. The fact is that in the 1979 year was signed the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. That year the author of these lines (major) made a note in his diary:
26 March 1979 of the year. UN observation post south of Suez.
Today is the day of the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in Washington.
At 21, local time I turn on the radio. The entire broadcast is scored from Washington. All media involved in the work. First, the anthems of the two countries were played, then the signing of the treaty took place.
The first agreement was signed by Egyptian President Sadat, then - Israeli Prime Minister Begin.
Speaking began: Carter, Sadat and Begin.
Immediately after the speeches, all Western radio stations began to comment on this event.
By this time, the UN Emergency Force in Sinai existed for the seventh year.
UN military observers (including Soviet officers 18) performed peacekeeping tasks at Sinai in the interests of the UN forces. Behind us was a great power. After the signing of a peace treaty, the UN Security Council did not extend the mandate of the peacekeeping forces. Began their gradual elimination.
I have a diary entry for the period from 19 to 27 in July 1979:
I am on duty at the operational control center in Ismailia. The first four days were calm. But on July 24, the mandate of the UN forces in Sinai expired on 1979. The UN Security Council has not renewed its mandate, and FWS-2 will be disbanded. I served while creating the CWS six years ago, and now I am a witness to their elimination — that’s alpha and omega.
On 2 in the morning of July 25, a new stage began. The functions of FWS are transferred to peacekeepers from UNTSO. We received a telegram and operational order from Jerusalem, which was immediately broadcast by radio to all the observers in the buffer zone.
The observers at 5 on the morning of July 25 took all crossroads, checkpoints and main positions.
It was the busiest day, without sleep. Communications worked continuously with Jerusalem, Cairo and the buffer zone.
I made a mistake when replacing military observers at the posts - corrected.
The second day (July 26) was also stressful. Followed by visits from the authorities of Jerusalem. Now everything is stabilizing. During the daytime the head of the control center constantly monitored the development of the situation.
And here is the entry made in April 1980 of the year:
The liquidation of FWS-2 is being completed. The farewell concert was given on April 17. On 24 on April 1980 of the year, the UN flag in Ismailia was launched.
Many trucks with property are sent to Lebanon (UN forces in Lebanon). Assist, organize the crossing through the channel. You can see military drivers from France, Norway, Senegal and Fiji. Civilian personnel are sent to other UN missions.
After the signing of the peace treaty, the Israelis gradually left Sinai. The final stage of the withdrawal of the Israeli forces ("the exodus from Egypt") is the road along which the Holy Family headed for Egypt. Napoleon Bonaparte was advancing on this path to Palestine and retreating to 1799. And a long time ago Alexander the Great passed here.
PEACE-MAKING AT THE MODERN STAGE
In place of UN peacekeepers, in accordance with the treaty and protocol, the Multinational Force and Observers — the SIT (Multinational force and observers — MFO) appeared, but, as noted at the outset, without a UN mandate. They were created in 1981, after the UN decided not to renew its peacekeeping mandate in connection with the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1979. Forces monitor the implementation of the contract. The first group of multinational forces arrived in the Sinai Peninsula at the beginning of 1982. The contingent does not enjoy UN support and is funded primarily by Egypt, Israel and the United States. These forces include soldiers and civilians from 13 countries.
In February 2015, the forces numbered 1669 soldiers. MSN have a logo and a flag. A departmental medal has been established, and a monthly magazine Sandpaper is published.
The organizational structure and implementation of the SIT peacekeeping task is of considerable interest. The area of the multinational forces and observers is washed on three sides by water: the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
Sinai itself is divided into four zones: A, B, C and D.
In Zone A, east of the Suez Canal, Egyptians are allowed to have one mechanized infantry division - 22 thousand people. In zone B there are four battalions, in zone C, near the Israeli border, there are only military police and multinational forces. Finally, in zone D, in the territory of Israel, it is allowed to have an 4 infantry battalion.
The MSN is headed by a civilian - the general director, headquartered in Rome, and his representatives are in Cairo and Israel. Since 1 July 2009, the American ambassador David M. Satterfield, who has extensive diplomatic experience, has been appointed CEO. Knows French and Arabic.
The duties of the Force Commander from 3 March 2014 are performed by the representative of Canada, Major General Denis Thompson. In 1984, he graduated from military college, served in Cyprus and in Germany. In 1995, he commanded a company - the NATO mission in Bosnia, and in 2000, he commanded a battalion there. In 2006, he was appointed commander of a mechanized brigade, after 2009, he held a number of posts in the national defense headquarters, and in 2011, he was appointed commander of a special operational command.
In total, missions at Sinai serve Canadian military service 30 with the rank of corporal to colonel. Canadian troops are located in the northern camp. Another Canadian general led this mission from 2001 to 2004 a year.
Forces have two camps. The northern camp is located near the village of El-Gohar (37 km from El-Arish). Southern camp - near the famous Sharm el-Sheikh.
The largest contingent of forces is in the United States. It includes:
- The staff group (40 people - occupy mostly staff positions), the chief of staff of the forces is American;
- a support battalion - 222 people, has a C-12 Huron aircraft and 8 UN-60A helicopters, which provide aviation support from the sea to the sea;
- an 425 infantry battalion with a man occupies the southern sector of Zone C, conducts observation and control, maintains 11 remote positions, conducts patrols, and also serves temporary observation posts. The battalion is located in the southern camp.
The Republic of Fiji marks out an infantry battalion from 1982 onwards, its numbers are 338 men. The battalion operates in the northern sector of Zone C. It is famous for its orchestra.
Colombia allocates an infantry battalion of more than 300 people.
Italy allocates a detachment of maritime patrols as part of 10 ships. Shipping through the Strait of Tirana is also controlled.
The Norwegians send only five staff officers, and France allocates two liaison officers of interaction.
Canada sends 28 people, mainly for headquarters, and Australia sends 25 people.
The force has a group of civilian observers consisting of 15 people. All of them are Americans. Half of the employees are from the State Department, and the other half are retired military personnel. This is called a military-diplomatic combination. Civilian observers conduct regular inspections on vehicles and helicopters in all four zones.
The appearance and formation of this group is interesting. The story goes back to the American field mission in Sinai, which completed its work on April 25 1982 of the year. Our peacemaking veterans are familiar with the American Sinai Field Mission. At one time, the author of these lines also visited this mission.
RUSSIAN MAJOR IN THE VISITS OF THE AMERICAN FIELD MISSION AT THE SINA
December 11 1978 of the year. Mitla Pass, headquarters of the Ghanaian battalion.
Cooking a jeep. We are going from the Mitla Pass to the Giddi Pass to visit the American Field Mission in Sinai. Avanti!
First drove east along the Mitla Pass. We are approaching to the checkpoint Bravo. We meet some more observers: Finn, Canadian and Norwegian. We are riding four jeeps, two kilometers to the object. They meet well, we are only six military observers.
Meets the operational officer (but a civilian). We go in the room instructing. A large round table on the right is a map of the mission area. On the left is the map of the Sinai Peninsula, 1 scale: 500 000. Opposite the movie screen. On the opposite side is the table on which the instruments are located: sensors and seismic devices, an acoustic device with an indicator, a monogram to determine the size and nature of a ground target, a sensor device is on a tripod. In the corner, the organization of the mission, headed by a director.
Employees are divided into State Department personnel (they work for one year) and contractual personnel (one and a half years), many are renewed.
The reason for the existence of the mission is the agreement of 1975, concluded between Egypt and Israel, and the US government.
Instructing conducts operational officer. Outlines the mission task with map display. He emphasizes that there are no military personnel in the mission (although he wears the ring of the graduate of the military school of West Point). The composition of the mission - 200 man, of which 15 women.
Technical briefing conducted by a specialist. Showed four sound, sensory and seismic devices. He told briefly the principle of their work. The briefing continued in the operating room. The scoreboard shows a detailed map of the mission area, 1 scale: 25 000, with luminous lights displaying sensory points on the paths. Near a small TV screen, which shows the road with moving cars. On the other side of the mission communication scheme: with Cairo, the UN forces, Israel, UN observers, some posts. Table for the attendant with detailed road routes. On the tables and shelves are thick directories, among them two or three on the aircraft. Next to the equipment diagram, wiring diagrams.
The mission has three observation points and four sensory fields.
Mission personnel wear light brown uniforms. Communication room: teletype in directions - Cairo, Israel, UN forces, etc., telephone and radio communications.
The briefing took place from 10.15 to 12 hours. Then we were invited to lunch. The food is very good. The people are mostly of mature age, there is little youth. On the wall is a list with birthdays in December. Next to the Christmas tree and decorations. They were going to watch a movie, but something did not work out. Recreation room: ping-pong, billiards. We leave, escorts the same operational officer. My partner, French captain Vincent Patrick, 33, a bachelor, graduated from Saint-Cyr military school, speaks poor English.
It must be said that civilian journalists from Cairo were invited to the American field mission. Among them was a Soviet journalist who concluded that this was a military base.
FINANCE ALWAYS UNDER CONTROL
On the MSN website, I found a financial report for the past year on 18 pages - numbers, titles, expenditure items, an audit ... then - a dark forest.
Costs are paid by Egypt, Israel and the USA, another 6% was added by donor states: Australia, Great Britain, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands and Japan.
The Director General of the International Forces at Sinai submits an annual report on the progress of peacekeeping activities and compliance with the peace treaty. “We will rehash swords into plowshares,” it was said in antiquity.
It must be said that the forces and means in this organization are enough to fulfill the peacekeeping mission, but also large-scale tasks are all legendary Sinai.
For six years our peacekeepers were on the watch of peace in Sinai in the last century, where they knew every palm tree and every dune. Now the computer allows you to look at what is currently happening in Sinai.
It must be said that in terms of equipment, organization and efficiency of the SIT, even some UN peacekeeping missions are superior. Many UN mission commanders complain about the lack of helicopters, and in the SIT there are already 8 helicopters.
Four years ago, David Satterfield, head of the Sinai Mission, visited Moscow, where he met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. Diplomats called it a consultation. According to media reports, the central theme of the thorough exchange of views was "the situation in the Middle East region, including in light of the recent round of violence in southern Israel, around the Gaza Strip, as well as increasing tensions on the Sinai Peninsula." The SIT Director General informed the Russian side about the security situation in Sinai. In turn, Mikhail Bogdanov welcomed the measures taken by the Egyptian authorities to stabilize the situation in the area, in which Russia is particularly interested in view of the large number of Russian tourists vacationing in the resorts of the Red Sea.
“When discussing the prospects for an Arab-Israeli settlement, the sides noted the need to intensify the efforts of the international community in the face of the Quartet of Middle East mediators to unblock Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, which should culminate in the creation of an independent viable Palestinian state coexisting with Israel in peace and security,” message on the results of the visit.
"The time of war and time of peace" - said in antiquity in the Holy Land.
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