Written Answers. - Soldier's Death in Lebanon.
Patrick McCartan
Question:
24
Mr. McCartan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline the matters discussed at his recent meeting with the Israeli Ambassador following the killing of an Irish corporal in the Lebanon; if he sought an assurance from the Ambassador that his country would cease arming, supplying, training and financing groups which were responsible for the corporal's death and the vast majority of other attacks on Irish forces serving with UNIFIL; if he received any such assurances, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
34
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline, (1) the response which he received from Israel to the protest made following the death of an Irish soldier and the injury of another in the Lebanon and (2) the further steps he now proposes to take on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 24 and 34 together.
On Tuesday, 19 November 1991, my predecessor called in the Ambassador of Israel to express on behalf of the Government the deep sense of shock and anger felt here at the shooting dead of Corporal Michael McCarthy and the wounding of Private Richard McGrath, two Irish soldiers serving with UNIFIL in South Lebanon.
He emphasised to the Ambassador that the Israeli-sponsored militia in South Lebanon, the so-called De Facto Forces, were responsible for the killing and wounding of the Irish soldiers. He left the Ambassador in no doubt that we deplored this unwarranted and unprovoked attack, which was the culmination of an increase of activity by the De Facto Forces in the area and against which Ireland and the United Nations had already protested.
It was also impressed upon the Ambassador that Israel should comply with UN Security Council Resolution 425 and withdraw fully from Lebanon. So long as Israel continues to provide logistical and moral support to the De Facto Forces, it must accept responsibility for the actions of these forces.
The Ambassador was asked to convey to his authorities at the highest level the deep displeasure and grave concern of the Government at the killing and wounding of the soldiers. He was further asked to clarify what action the Israeli Government intended to take to control the De Facto Forces and to prevent the recurrence of any attacks on UN peacekeeping forces. The Government's view that the perpetrators should be brought to account and punished was also made clear.
In reply, the Ambassador expressed his sympathy and regret for the incident and undertook to convey our views to his authorities. A further response by Israel is still awaited.
It was also arranged to have the incident raised at United Nations level. A special report was prepared by the Secretary-General, Perez de Cuellar, on the killing of Corporal McCarthy. Following consideration of this report, the President of the UN Security Council issued a statement on 4 December 1991 on behalf of the members of the Council. In this statement the members of the Council conveyed their deep-felt sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of Ireland and to the bereaved families. They expressed deep concern about the heightened tension and hostilities in the UNIFIL area of operation and the risks to which this has exposed UNIFIL personnel as well as the Lebanese civilian population in the area; and they committed themselves to support the efforts of the Secretary-General in this regard.
The statement concluded:
It is unacceptable that the safety of members of a United Nations peace-keeping operation is endangered. The members of the Council urgently call for restraint on the part of all concerned.
Further incidents took place in the UNIFIL area of operations on 20 February. Following this, I directed that the Government's concerns about the safety and security of Irish personnel be conveyed to UN Headquarters in New York and that a protest be lodged with the Israeli Embassy in London. Fortunately, those incidents did not result in injury to any of our personnel. I should, however, like to express my sincere regret at the injuries suffered by Fijian soldiers in the course of the incidents.
I can assure the House that the safety and well-being of our personnel serving in UN peacekeeping missions both in Lebanon and elsewhere, who frequently have to carry out their duties in very difficult circumstances, will continue to be of paramount concern to the Government.
