Today, 29 May, on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, received in the Presidential Palace and decorated members of the Police and the Slovenian Army who have participated in international civilian missions from 1997 to 1 June 2008.
The President of the Republic conferred the Silver Order for Services in the security area for exceptional work and services in international cooperation in the area of security, defence and protection on Mr Jože Romšek, Director-General of the Police, and on Mr Karl Erjavec, Minister of Defence.
Silver Order for Services conferred on the Police members participating in peacekeeping operations
Since 1997 members of the Slovenian Police have participated in international civilian missions and international organisations, providing for world peace, security and crime prevention. So far the Slovenian Police has taken part in operations of the European Union (EUPM in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUPOL Proxima in Macedonia), the United Nations Organisation (UNTAET/UNMISET in East Timor), UNMIK in Kosovo, OHR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, OSCE (KPSS in Kosovo, SMMS in Macedonia, OSCE in Serbia) and the Western European Union (MAPE in Albania). Slovenian police officers also take part in support to temporary coalition authorities, such as IPTM in Afghanistan and JIPTC in Jordan.
Slovenian police officers carried out their mandates effectively; they acted professionally, ethically and treated people living in the crisis areas with respect. To implement their tasks they used their knowledge, experience and professional potential. All participants in peacekeeping operations significantly contributed to peace and security in the crisis areas, as well as to the promotion of Slovenia's world reputation in the sphere of international peace and security; they are to be thanked for the improved reputation of this country. For their noble acts they were awarded the Silver Order for Services by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk.
On this occasion President Türk expressed his recognition to all police officers and service members of the Slovenian Armed Forces taking part in the peacekeeping operations.
In 2002, the United Nations Organisation designated 29 May the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. On that day in 1948, the Security Council deployed the first peacekeeping mission - UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) to monitor the Arab-Israeli conflict in Palestine.