Jim O'Keeffe
Question:52 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been an assessment of Ireland's continuing role through UNIFIL in the Lebanon and if he will outline his future policy in this regard. [4279/98]
Written Answers - UNIFIL Mission.
Ireland's contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remains a key feature of our commitment to the efforts of the UN and the international community to maintain peace in the region. In particular, it underlines our full support for the Middle East peace process and the significance of the Lebanon aspect of the process.
The Security Council on 30 January 1998 renewed the mandate of the UNIFIL force as a valuable and necessary contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the area. The UN Secretary-General, in his recent report on UNIFIL submitted to the Security Council, had sought the continued presence of UNIFIL as a force for peace and stabilisation in southern Lebanon.
Both the Secretary-General and the Security Council expressed serious concern at the recurrent pattern of violence in southern Lebanon and expressed regret at the loss of civilian life which this has caused. The Secretary-General also noted his concern at the harassment of UN personnel which has occurred. The Security Council urged all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint.
It is clear that UNIFIL continues to have a central role to play in the maintenance of peace and stability and the protection of the civilian population in southern Lebanon. Ireland's intention is to maintain its contribution to this effort through participation in UNIFIL.