Despite the advances in medical technologies in the West, it is extremely difficult to apply and/or deliver these technologies to conflict zones under the auspices of the UN peacekeeping mission. The most dificult challenge is the delivery by UN medical personnel of appropriate technology which is easily transferable and can be operated by trained professionals. Such transference involves overcoming political, religious, ethnic, cultural and bureaucratic obstacles.The UN Observer Mission in the Georgian-Abhhazian conflict, despite excellent military leadership, experienced disastrous medical consequences due to political maneuven' ng, the lack of quality of key personnel, and clearly defSned responsibilities. Local misunderstanding of mission purposes led to unrealistic expectations of available medicine and equipment.