This observer Mission was established in January 1996 under Resolution 1038 (1996). The mandate was to monitor the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula in accordance with Resolutions 779 (1992) and 981 (1995).

The Prevlaka Peninsula extends into the Adriatic Sea from the southernmost tip of Croatia. It is claimed by both Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia because it controls the entrance to Kotor Bay, where the main Yugoslav naval bases are. In July 1991, when Croatia declared independence, Yugoslav forces tried to capture the Prevlaka Peninsula (shelling the town of Dubrovnik in the process) and were driven back by the Croatians. The UN halted hostilities in February 1992, demilitarized the Prevlaka Peninsula and established a zone free of heavy weapons for five kilometres on either side of the Croatian�Yugoslav border. UNMOP was established to monitor the border, the Prevlaka Peninsula and Kotor Bay from its base in Dubrovnik.

The countries of Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine provided military observers to this Mission.

Canadian Military Involvement

Under Operation CHAPERON, Canada provided UNMOP with one CF member to serve as a United Nations Military Observer. This contribution was maintained from Feb 1996 to Sep 2001.

Insignia

Ninety days service qualified a Canadian soldier for the UNMOP Medal. The ribbon had a dark blue background which represented the waters of the Prevlaka peninsula. The yellow central stripe represented the sun that rises, promising a peaceful and prosperous future and was flanked by thin white stripes followed on either side by a band of dark blue and UN blue representing peace.

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