Mods - feel free to merge if/as you see fit...
Now that we've seen the criticisms and imperfections of decompression in Cyprus:
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/79949.0.html
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/88264.0.html
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/76446.0.html
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/71586.0.html
the Cypriot media
has an update - highlights mine - shared in accordance with the "fair dealing" provisions,
Section 29, of the
Copyright Act.
‘Decompressed’ Canadian soldiers leave Paphos
Patrick Dewhurst, Cyprus Mail, 22 Aug 09
Article link
THE LAST of the Canadian troops, who were holidaying in Cyprus after tours in Afghanistan, have returned home.
Since spring this year, over 6000 Canadian peacekeepers have stayed in downtown Paphos, after operations as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
The scheme was the product of collaboration between Canadian top brass and the Paphos municipality, and was designed to help soldiers unwind and adjust to normal life after the stress of frontline fighting.
These “Decompression” periods, which are typically between 24 and 48 hours, have already proved successful among British soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, so much so that it is now standard practice.
Earlier this year, Commander Christophe Prazuck, a spokesman for the French Defence Staff announced that French forces were looking to follow suit. He said: “The idea is not to celebrate for three days; other nations believe that in the long term it works.” The French media had speculated Cyprus was earmarked for the project.
The visiting soldiers will no doubt have provided a welcome boost to the ailing tourist industry this year. 1,600 soldiers visited the island, with some staying for four weeks to enjoy the good food, weather and nightlife. In addition many of the Canadian soldiers visited cultural events. Savvas Vergas, Mayor Paphos said “We had a few officers visit our tourist offices to learn about cultural events. Many soldiers came and enjoyed them a lot”
However, the presence of soldiers has not been without its problems, and a number of violent incidents involving foreign troops have occurred.
In March 2008 two Canadian soldiers, who were staying in Paphos for decompression, were charged with assaulting a British resident. A month earlier, nine British soldiers en route home Iraq were charged in connection with a bar brawl.
Asked about these problems,
Vergas commented that “yes there were some problems in the last year, but these were very few. I was very happy with having the soldiers on the island, and I would welcome people from all countries to come, relax and enjoy Paphos”.
Asked if this is likely to become a regular feature of tourism, Vergas said “I hope so.
We will learn in the coming days whether the Canadians will be returning in October. If they do, we hope to receive between 600 and 700 soldiers.”
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