UN's Lebanon mission to be joined by 150 Irish troops
Some 150 Irish soldiers are to join the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea confirmed today.
After the Cabinet yesterday gave its approval, the minister revealed the troops would be serving alongside the Finnish army in the war ravaged nation from the end of October.
They will be involved in reconnaissance and security and protection duties as the Finns carry out humanitarian work and deal with unexploded ordnance.
Mr O’Dea outlined details of the mission at the annual conference of PDFORRA, the Defence Forces representative body, in Waterford.
“We return to Lebanon in unfortunate circumstances and against the backdrop of massive destruction of infrastructure and of the communities whom we served for over 23 years,” he said.
“However, I am confident that there is a real and substantive role for the Defence Forces in supporting the rebuilding of Lebanon.
“This operation will provide a further opportunity for us to work closely and directly with one of our potential partners in the EU Nordic Battlegroup.”
That force, due to be on standby from January 2008, will consist of 2,400 soldiers including troops from Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Ireland and Norway.
The Lebanon peacekeeping mission is a joint operation with the Finnish army. Details have yet to be finalised but Irish troops will support engineers attempting to clear unexploded mines and bombs in the south of the country.
Irish soldiers will also be available to undertake other duties on request of the UN force commander.
Mr O’Dea also paid tribute to the Defence Forces peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans and the west Africa state of Liberia.
“The general public does not always sufficiently appreciate the tremendous work you do in these troubled countries,” the minister said.
“You not only serve courageously and loyally, you go beyond that. I have been proud to see how you voluntary contribute your time and your money adopting local charitable projects and helping those communities where you serve.
“One can only feel proud of the work being done and the commitment being made in the name of this country. You are the uniformed ambassadors for Ireland.”
