Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 4

Written Answers. - Kosovo Crisis.

John Gormley

Question:

72 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the statement by Mr. Slobodan Milosevic that Ireland would be an acceptable member of any UN sponsored mission in a post-conflict Kosovo due to Ireland's status as a member of the European Union which stands outside NATO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12051/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I would hope and expect that an international presence in Kosovo would be mandated by the UN Security Council as part of the process towards a political solution to the Kosovo crisis. The outcome of the discussions of G8 foreign ministers in Bonn last Thursday indicates that progress in this direction is now being made. I welcome that.

If deployment of such a peacekeeping force is authorised by the Security Council, then we will actively consider participation by an Irish contingent, having regard to the terms of the mandate and the level of our other overseas commitments in support of the UN.

The question of the composition of such a mission or force is of course a matter for the Security Council itself and not Mr Milosevic. The Security Council has already taken decisions relating to the protection of the people of Kosovo, and it has the responsibility to see that its earlier decisions are implemented.

Joe Higgins

Question:

73 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with other EU or NATO member states relating to the war in the Balkans. [11043/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I refer the Deputy to the statement which I made today on Kosovo in reply to Priority Questions Nos. 27 and 28.