Austria, Canada to Replace Swedish Troops in Cyprus

NICOSIA, Cyprus —  Austria and Canada will send extra troops to replace departing Swedish troops in the peacekeeping U.N. Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), a U.N. spokesman said on Saturday.

Charles Gaulkin said Austria and Canada would strengthen their existing contingents as the Swedes begin a phased departure on Oct. 8.

Sweden said earlier this year it would pull out all but a handful of its 395-strong contingent in UNFICYP because it was forced to absorb ever-increasing costs.

It has also said it was dissatisfied with lack of progress in the Cyprus conflict. Sweden has kept troops in Cyprus since the U.N. force was set up in 1964 to separate the Greek and Turkish communities following fighting between the two communities.

Eight countries--Australia, Austria, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland and Sweden--have maintained about 2,300 troops, civilian police and administrators for the U.N. force.