Vol. 414 No. 5
19 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he recently met former President Amine Gemayel of Lebanon; if so, if he will outline the attitude of the Irish Government to the continuing level of involvement in the internal affairs of Lebanon by the Government of Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Taoiseach met the former President of Lebanon, Amin Gemayel, during his visit to Ireland in October. Amin Gemayel was paying a private visit to this country and on 14 October he made a courtesy call on the Taoiseach.
The Irish Government and the other governments in the European Community have consistently supported the Taif Accords which were adopted by the Lebanese Parliament in October 1989. These accords envisage the Lebanese State extending its authority over the entire Lebanese territory by means of its own internal forces assisted by Syrian troops. Lebanon and Syria concluded a defence and security agreement on 1 September last, which provides for security and military co-operation between the two countries.
I am conscious that both Syrian and Israeli troops continue to be present in Lebanon but the Taif Accords have provided a framework which I believe can restore greater stability to Lebanon and help to bring about a Lebanon free of foreign troops.
