The sudden death of UNFICYP spokesman Michel Bonnardeaux was announced by Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim on Wednesday. Michel Bonnardeaux was 48, ‘Cyprus Mail’ reports
“It is with great sadness that the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus announces the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Michel Bonnardeaux,” she said in a written statement.
“For over three years Michel served with distinction as Spokesperson and Chief of the Public Information Office in UNFICYP and the Good Offices Mission in Cyprus. With long experience in United Nations peacekeeping, Michel had previously worked at UN Headquarters and in the field, including peace operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Haiti, South Sudan and Mali. UNFICYP extends its deep condolences to his family in Canada and Spain. We will miss him.”
Espen Barth Eide, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, who is currently on the island said: “Michel was a crucial member of the UN Team here in Cyprus, serving both UNFICYP and the Good Offices Mission in its important outreach work. He was a close collaborator as well as a good friend and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Also in a written statement, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides expressed the Greek Cypriot side’s deep sorrow for Bonnardeaux’s sudden passing.
“During his tenure in Cyprus Michel Bonnardeaux offered his services with great zeal and high professionalism,” Christodoulides said. “The government expresses its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones as well as to the United Nations Mission in Cyprus.”
‘Kibris Postasi’ reports that Turkish Cypriot Presidential Spokesperson Osman Ertuğ has also published a message regarding Bonnardeaux’s untimely death. The statement is as the following:
“We have learned about UN Peace Keeping Forces Spokesperson Michel Bonnardeaux’s untimely death with great sadness.
We have contacted the UN authorities in Cyprus in order to obtain detailed information about the sudden loss of Mr Bonnardeaux . In the meantime we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, to the UN Peace Keeping Forces on the island and the Good Offices authorities, as well as all the UN family.”
