Abdukakhor recalled: "We found Sonya with a group of children who were trying to sell her to foreigners. The children were playing with Sonya and teasing her." Imad and Abdukakhor explained that their hearts went out to the young monkey because she seemed so sad, underfed and neglected. Abdukakor said that Sonya seemed hungry so he gave her a piece of apple. Sonya seemed surprised, she had clearly never tasted an apple before. The two men said they decided to adopt Sonya – not as a pet, but more as a member of the family.

Sonya has since become popular with UNMEE staff and other residents of Sector West, who are amazed and amused by some of her antics. They often stop by to give her a banana or some other type of fruit. "What a smart and charming creature!" declared Christine Karisa, SAO’s Administrative Assistant, who is a regular visitor to Sonya’s home.

A proud Imad explained that Sonya learnt to open a tap to wash her face after being taught by him. She is also an avid television fan and has a well-developed sense of time. Imad added that Sonya appears to be very selective too as she opens the door for those whom she likes and closes it for people she does not wish to share her time and space with.

However, Sonya is not all sweetness and light as her curiousity about all things often gets her into trouble. She has tried eating hot pepper and is not always discerning about what she drinks. But worst of all, Imad says her outbursts of jealousy when she becomes very protective of her adoptive UNMEE family, can be disconcerting. Sonya also hates being teased but is very affectionate with people she likes.

URUGUYANS STREGHTEN UNMEE'S HELICOPTER CABABILITY

The Contingent consists of three officers, six pilots, one doctor and twenty-six technicians. Their helicopters with their twin engines and maximum take-off weight of 11,200lbs are equipped with night vision devices. They belong to the Air Squadron Number 5 of the Uruguayan Air Force, which was established on 25 July 1955 as a Search and Rescue Squadron. Prior to joining UNMEE, the squadron was involved in search and rescue by day and night on land as well at sea. They also conducted presidential flights, flights to the Antarctic, transported human organs for transplants and trained pilots at the Uruguayan Helicopter Flight School.

The Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Cabrera said: "UNMEE is the first peacekeeping mission for the Uruguayan Air Force and we have taken it as a challenge. Peacekeeping is a noble job and we are glad to participate in the cause of peace. We will conduct ourselves in a dignified manner and remember that we not only represent UNMEE, but our country, and our air force in peacekeeping for the first time, as well as the whole United Nations". He also said that he was happy to find UNMEE staff cordial and willing to guide them as they take their first steps in a UN mission. He conveyed his gratitude to members of UNMEE for their support. Major Julio Aparicio, the Chief of crews said that their crews were experienced and he therefore, expected them to perform well in this mission.