Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 7

Written Answers. - Lebanon Developments.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

26 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, having regard to the fact that the newly reconstituted Government in Lebanon are attempting to disarm the various militants and extend their control over the whole country, he envisages a relatively rapid ending to the United Nations presence which includes an Irish contingent in Southern Lebanon.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

Developments in Lebanon in recent months have on the whole been positive. The reunification of greater Beirut under the Lebanese Government's control, the decision to disarm the militias and progress in deploying the Lebanese Army in Southern Lebanon, all help to advance the implementation of the Taif Agreements which will I hope lead eventually to the restoration of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

In his report on UNIFIL to the Security Council on 3 December 1990 the Secretary-General of the United Nations welcomed the progressive deployment of the Lebanese army in Southern Lebanon and reiterated the readiness of UNIFIL to cooperate with it.

The Secretary-General however, also expressed concern that the situation in Southern Lebanon would deteriorate if UNIFIL were to be withdrawn in present circumstances. He recommended that for the time being there should be no substantive change in UNIFIL's function nor in its deployment. I would agree with this recommendation of the Secretary-General and accordingly I do not envisage a rapid ending to the United Nations presence in Southern Lebanon.