THE UNITED NATIONS MEDAL (UNTAES)

Obverse: The United Nations global projection emblem, above which are the letters "UN".

Reverse: Plain, with the legend "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE".

Size: 35mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 35mm wide, the ribbon for this medal has a blue background (representing peace), upon which is a broad red field in the middle bordered by thin white bands representing United Nations Peace Forces' command. Centred to the left is a narrow light green field (representing forests) and centred to the right is a narrow yellow field (representing cornfields). Ninety days of service in the Mission was necessary to qualify for award of the medal.

Suspension: The ribbon is threaded through a 12mm diameter ring, which passes through a loop fixed to the top of the piece. The ring will move forwards and backwards.

United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranga and Western Sirmiu was established on 15 January 1996 by Security Council Resolution 1037 (1996) for an initial period of twelve months with both military and civilian components. The mandate was to supervise and facilitate the demilitarisation as undertaken by the parties (Government of the Republic of Croatia and the local Serbian Community); to monitor the voluntary and safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their home of origin in co-operation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security in the region. This UN Mission operated in the north-east portion of Croatia. Upon completion of the task, the Mission was terminated in January 1998. New Zealand military observers served with the force until 1997.

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