A ceremony was held in Kinshasa on Wednesday 14 May 2008 for Uruguayan blue helmets who received the UN medal, for distinguished services to MONUC. The Uruguayans received their medals from Ross Mountain, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC.

Also in attendance were diplomatic representatives from Uruguay, Brazil and Spain, as well as MONUC western brigade military representatives, and high ranking MONUC military and civilian officials.

Uruguay, which has supported MONUC since its inception in 1999, has 1,321 serving blue helmets as well as 47 military observers and commanders, deployed in both eastern and western DRC.

Mr. Ross Mountain said that "Uruguay's commitment is displayed by a half century of contribution" to peacekeeping operations worldwide.

"I'm sure that the dedication and professionalism displayed by its men and women in the field far away from home, some of whom have lost their lives, makes you and your nation proud."

A total of six Uruguayans have lost their lives in the service of peace here in the DRC.

Mr. Mountain explained that the efforts of the past nine years by Uruguayan peacekeepers "have provided security and relief to the Congolese population."

"The United Nations medal being presented to you here today is a small recognition of these efforts. You can be proud to carry this medal which represents for you an intense period of your life, but more especially the recognition of the United Nations for the work that you have carried out here in the DRC."

During its participation in MONUC, Uruguay gave important military support in the subsequent mission crises of Bunia, Bukavu and Kinshasa, among others.

The evacuation under fire of the Spanish Amabassador and his diplomatic personnel during the Kinshasa crisis in March 2007 was a particular source of pride, as five Uruguayan officers were later decorated by the Kingdom of Spain for their actions.

Uruguay has supported United Nations peacekeeping operations for 50 years, participating in 25 different peacekeeping missions worldwide.

During this time, more than 19,000 Uruguayans have contributed to world peace, giving their lives to accomplish their duties, with 19 dying in the service of peace.