Ahern condemns killing of UN peacekeepers
The Taoiseach today condemned the killing of four UN observers in southern Lebanon by an Israeli air raid on their post.
UN secretary general Kofi Annan said he was shocked by what he called the apparent deliberate targeting of the Unifil position and called for an immediate investigation by the Israelis.
Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert expressed his deep sorrow to Mr Annan in a telephone call this morning.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today: “I am appalled by these deaths and I strongly condemn the continuing use by Israel of reckless and disproportionate force which has brought such suffering to the people of Lebanon and now to the families and comrades of these brave soldiers.
“I equally condemn Hezbollah for its attacks on Israel. Far too many innocent people have died on both sides of the border.
“I repeat the call by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, for an immediate cessation of hostilities and I hope the Rome conference will make urgent progress to that end.”
Foreign ministers are holding a crisis meeting in Rome today, which Mr Annan is due to attend.
It is understood there were at least 14 UN staff inside the post at Khiyam when it was destroyed by Israeli fire. Four of them were killed.
It is thought the victims are from China, Finland, Austria and Canada.
Irish UN troops serving in Lebanon were not stationed in the area.
The Taoiseach added: “At this time, the Irish troops serving with Unifil are in all our thoughts and we remember those who have previously died in the UN service in Lebanon and elsewhere.”
Israel said it will thoroughly investigate the incident.
An Israeli spokesman said they do not target UN personnel and, since the beginning of the current conflict, they have made a consistent effort to ensure the safety of all members of Unifil.
