The Tarnished Image of Canadian Peacekeeping
The Tarnished Image of Canadian Peacekeeping
Canadian peacekeeping has been an international saviour to many countries that have struggled to achieve peace. Canada has earned a reputation for giving top quality efforts to preserve or create peace around the world, sometimes putting Canada at a loss. Professor Albert Legault of the department of political science, Laval University, has estimated the financial outlay by Canada to international peacekeeping (excluding Korea) from 1949-1980 at 226 million dollars, less than one-half of one percent of the total budget of the Department of National Defense over that period. In the past Canada has sent forces to over thirty-five troubled countries. Today Canada is participating in sixteen peacekeeping efforts (See Appendix 1). The amount Canada has sacrificed to promote world peace has been immense. Such efforts prove that Canada has an outstanding image in the world and that their virtuous deeds outweigh the minor mishaps that may happen.
In Greek mythology Cyprus (See Appendix 2) is known as the “island of love”. However, on November 30, 1963, the President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, attempted to amend previously agreed constitutional arrangements. He argued the existing constitution was causing the two communities to be drawn farther apart, rather than closer together. Makarios’ proposal included: the abolition of the veto power of the president (Greek) and vice president (Turkey); the abolition of separate majorities required from either community in their House of Representatives in order to enact certain laws; the enactment of unified municipalities; the unification of the administration of justice; and the reduction of the agreed proportion of Turkish-Cypriots in the public service and military force. Trouble soon erupted. Various acts of violence were present in the area during December of that year and again early in 1964. The imminent threat of invasion by Turkish armed forces and the likelihood of war between Greece and Turkey were countered by United Nations (UN) mediation. On March 11, Turkey announced an invasion would begin unless the UN was on the island in a few days. Paul Martin, Canada’s Secretary of State for External Affairs, flew down to New York on March 12, to meet U Thant. On Friday the 13th, Martin made phone calls to various capitals, and by 6:00p.m. U Thant was announcing that a UN force would be sent...