Seán Barrett
Question:151 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of his recent visit to Irish troops serving with the UN in the Middle East.
Written Answers. - Report on Visit to Middle East.
I visited Irish troops serving in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus during the period 14-24 March 1993.
In Lebanon I had discussions with the Force Commander, General Trond Furuhovde, and met Irish personnel stationed at the Force Headquarters in Naqoura and with members of the 72nd Infantry Battalion serving in the battalion area in the vicinity of Tibnin. I saw at first hand the role played by Irish soldiers. Everywhere I went I was enormously impressed by their sense of commitment to the important work which they are undertaking in the cause of international peace.
The presence of UNIFIL is clearly vital to the stability of South Lebanon and to the safety and welfare of the local population. I met a number of community leaders including the Muktars of the villages in the Irish battalion area. Local people deeply appreciate the Irish presence and I was impressed by the close rapport which has evolved between the battalion and the community.
While in Beirut, I met the Lebanese Prime Minister and the Lebanese Minister for Defence. In Damascus I met the Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and had discussions with the Cypriot Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Marine and Defence in Nicosia. I also met the UN Force Commander in Cyprus, Major-General Michael Minehane — an Irish officer — and Irish personnel serving with UNFICYP in Cyprus and with UNTSO in Syria. All of the Ministers to whom I spoke emphasised their support for the peacekeeping role of the United Nations and expressed their appreciation of the work of Irish military personnel.
Our military personnel approach the task of peacekeeping with confidence and dedication. Combining the highest professional military standards with common sense and diplomacy, they have earned the respect and gratitude of local communities and Governments alike. Through their success the international reputation of Ireland has been greatly enhanced.