03/03/2010
Clonaver Troops Guard Pope In Cyprus
Part-time signallers from east Belfast are expected to be a temporary 'Swiss Guard' later this year.
TA Soldiers from Northern Ireland's 40 (Ulster) Signals Regiment are to provide security for the Pope during an official visit to Cyprus later this year.
A unit made up of regular and reserve troops are due to deploy to the Mediterranean island as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force next month.
They will be based in the capital city of Nicosia and are expected to play a major role in the two-day tour of the island by Pope Benedict XVI.
It will mark the first time soldiers from Northern Ireland have guarded a Pope.
The soldiers, who are normally based at Clonaver Park off the Holywood Road, are being sent to Cyprus as part of Operation Tosca to patrol a buffer zone known as the 'Green Line' which runs through Nicosia following the Turkish invasion in 1974.
They are there to prevent a resurgence of fighting between Greeks and Turks.
Other sections of the Green Line are currently patrolled by Argentinian and Eastern European soldiers.
Colonel Stuart McConnell, the CO, said his soldiers were culturally and politically very highly trained and would be approaching the deployment with a very professional outlook.
See: Hot Posting For TA Signals
TA Soldiers from Northern Ireland's 40 (Ulster) Signals Regiment are to provide security for the Pope during an official visit to Cyprus later this year.
A unit made up of regular and reserve troops are due to deploy to the Mediterranean island as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force next month.
They will be based in the capital city of Nicosia and are expected to play a major role in the two-day tour of the island by Pope Benedict XVI.
It will mark the first time soldiers from Northern Ireland have guarded a Pope.
The soldiers, who are normally based at Clonaver Park off the Holywood Road, are being sent to Cyprus as part of Operation Tosca to patrol a buffer zone known as the 'Green Line' which runs through Nicosia following the Turkish invasion in 1974.
They are there to prevent a resurgence of fighting between Greeks and Turks.
Other sections of the Green Line are currently patrolled by Argentinian and Eastern European soldiers.
Colonel Stuart McConnell, the CO, said his soldiers were culturally and politically very highly trained and would be approaching the deployment with a very professional outlook.
See: Hot Posting For TA Signals
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 July 2021
Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers
Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".
Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers
Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".
30 November 2023
The Evolution of Online Gambling in Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has witnessed a remarkable surge in the online gambling sector, marking a significant transformation in the nation's gaming landscape. According to Statista, revenue in Ireland's online gambling market is projected to reach €1.12bn in 2023.
The Evolution of Online Gambling in Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has witnessed a remarkable surge in the online gambling sector, marking a significant transformation in the nation's gaming landscape. According to Statista, revenue in Ireland's online gambling market is projected to reach €1.12bn in 2023.
21 November 2023
SF Unveils 'A New Ireland For All' Strategy
Sinn Féin has unveiled its new policy document, 'A New Ireland for All', which sets out the party's political plans for the next 25 years.
SF Unveils 'A New Ireland For All' Strategy
Sinn Féin has unveiled its new policy document, 'A New Ireland for All', which sets out the party's political plans for the next 25 years.
27 November 2023
Appeal Following Fatal Collision In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in south Belfast on the morning of Sunday, 26 November. Police received a report shortly before 4am of a collision involving a blue VW Lupo in the Annadale Embankment area.
Appeal Following Fatal Collision In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in south Belfast on the morning of Sunday, 26 November. Police received a report shortly before 4am of a collision involving a blue VW Lupo in the Annadale Embankment area.
27 November 2023
47-Year-Old Extradited To Lithuania On Human Trafficking Charges
A 47-year-old man has been extradited to Lithuania from NI to stand trial for offences of human trafficking, drugs distribution and money laundering. The man was arrested in the west Belfast area in August 2020 by officers from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch. He was arrested on foot of an extradition warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities.
47-Year-Old Extradited To Lithuania On Human Trafficking Charges
A 47-year-old man has been extradited to Lithuania from NI to stand trial for offences of human trafficking, drugs distribution and money laundering. The man was arrested in the west Belfast area in August 2020 by officers from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch. He was arrested on foot of an extradition warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy morning with mist and fog patches slowly clearing and a few showers affecting coastal parts. Becoming brighter this afternoon with some sunny spells developing, but still a few showers near coasts. Light winds Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:A few showers persist near coasts but for many a dry night with long clear spells and a widespread, perhaps locally severe in west, frost developing, and patchy freezing fog. Minimum temperature -5 °C.