Operation Mazurka

Operation Mazurka is Australia's contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai. The MFO was established in 1981 to oversee the Camp David Accords of 1978 and the Egypt/Israel Peace Treaty of 1979. Under the Accords, Israel withdrew from the Egyptian territory it had occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The MFO was created outside the framework of the UN because the Soviet Union was opposed to UN involvement. The MFO is governed by the US State Department and is headquartered in Rome.

Comments: Australia and New Zealand contributed to the MFO at the outset by providing the Force's Rotary Wing Aviation Unit (RWAU). The ADF provided a joint RAN / Army / RAAF detachment, comprising 8 UH-1H helicopters. The Contingent was withdrawn in April 1986 as the government sought to reduce Australia's peacekeeping commitments.

On 8 January 1993 the ADF returned to the Sinai again. A 26 strong contingent of HQ staff and MP's initially on 12 month tours, then reduced to 6 - 9 month tours, rejoined the MFO following a review of the government's position. Primarily the Australians assist in the peace process by monitoring the border and preparing daily operational briefings, and support to the Headquarters. In addition to these staff functions, they undertake an important force training function that includes physical training.