UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan named Major-General Rafael Jose Barni of Argentina as the new Force Commander for the UN peacekeeping operation in Cyprus ( UNFICYP), UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced on Tuesday.

Making the announcement, Dujarric praised the outgoing head of the mission, Major-General Hebert Figoli of Uruguay, for his " exemplary and highly professional service."

UNFICYP was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. After hostilities in 1974, the mission's responsibilities were expanded. With over 800 uniformed personnel, UNFICYP is tasked with supervising cease-fire lines, maintaining a buffer zone and carrying out humanitarian activities.

Source: Xinhua