Clarity needed on Irish involvement in UN Lebanon peace mission
Issued : Thursday 3 August, 2006
Statement by Joe Costello TD
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Trade and Development
As civilian losses in the conflict in Lebanon exceeds 1,000 it’s time for the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to agree on including irish troops in any UN peacekeeping force, according to Labour’s Joe Costello.
Deputy Costello said: “Innocent civilians have borne the brunt of this conflict. It’s imperative that an immediate ceasefire is called so that the humanitarian aid that is so badly needed after weeks of conflict, can be delivered to those who need it. Organisations like Trocaire and Christian Aid are prepared to go in, but only if the violence ends.
“There should be an international stabilisation force put in place, and Ireland should be to the fore of any such force. After all we have the most experience of peacekeeping in Lebanon having spent decades on the ground there.
“Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern and Defence Minister Willie O’Dea should signal to the UN that this expertise would be made available to an UN mission.
“They should also make it clear that they would be prepared to recall the Dail so that that any request by the UN for assistance could be debated as provided for under the triple lock mechanism.
“There have been mixed messages on this with Minister Ahern expressing doubts that Ireland could participate and Minister O’Dea suggesting that a force, albeit a small one, could be deployed. Willie O’Dea should take time off from rebuking the President and talk to his Cabinet colleague about this so that they they’re singing off the same hymn sheet.”
