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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 4

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

42 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence if he envisages the continuation of the troop commitment to south Lebanon; if he will give details of the urgent situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26301/99]

Members of the Defence Forces have been deployed for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978. Some 611 Defence Forces personnel are serving with the Irish contingent UNIFIL.

The UNIFIL mandate is reviewed by the United Nations Security Council every six months following a report by the Secretary General of the United Nations. UN Security Council Resolution 1254 of 30 July 1999 has extended the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months, that is, until 31 January 2000.

On 12 October 1999 the Government approved the provision of a replacement contingent to UNIFIL comprising approximately 620 personnel all ranks for a six month period beginning 20 October 1999. The Government decision also allowed for preparations to be made for the selection, training and equipping of a further contingent of approximately 620 personnel all ranks to provide for the possibility of Ireland's continued participation in the UNIFIL peacekeeping force beyond January 2000 in the event of the further extension of the UNIFIL mandate.

With regard to the Middle East peace process, I understand that, unfortunately, the final status negotiations are not proceeding smoothly. This is not unexpected. The new Israeli Government has declared its intention to withdraw its forces from Lebanon not later than July 2000. The legal situation is that UN Security Council Resolution 425 of 1978 requires Israel to end its presence in South Lebanon. If this is to be implemented, the attitude adopted by armed elements within Lebanon to the Israeli backed South Lebanese Army (SLA) and to Israel will be crucial. There is, however, an ongoing risk of an escalation of attacks against the SLA in the area as part of a final push to ensure that the withdrawal is actually effected. This scenario could call for the possibility of a revision of the role of UNIFIL in a post-withdrawal situation. Developments in the coming months may give a clearer indication as to what that future role for UNIFIL would be in the re-establishment of Lebanese sovereignty over its territory. In this regard indications are that the Lebanese authorities would seek a reinforcement of UNIFIL until such time as its function could be undertaken by the Lebanese army.
I visited the area from 20-22 June 1999 in order to see for myself the situation on the ground and, more important, to raise the seriousness of the prevailing security situation in the UNIFIL area of operation with both the Israeli and Lebanese authorities and to seek assurances that the reckless shelling of IRISHBATT positions by the Israeli Defence Force/De Facto Forces (IDF/DFF) which undoubtedly led to the death of Private Kedian would not recur. During the course of my visit I met with the Israeli Minister of Defence and also with the Lebanese Minister of Defence, the latter in relation to ongoing hostile activity perpetrated by the Armed Elements, (Hizbollah). I sought assurances from both that there would not be a recurrence of the recent serious shelling incidents as well as other hostile activity. I indicated to both sides that, while Ireland is committed to the UNIFIL mission, should there not be a cessation of such incidents, serious consideration would have to be given by the Government to the withdrawal of the Irish contingent.
While there have been no major incidents in recent months, the security situation in the UNIFIL area of operations continues to be relatively tense. I visited UNIFIL again from 20-24 September 1999 and found the situation to be calmer than in the earlier part of the year.
There are no plans to alter the current level of Defence Forces commitment to UNIFIL.
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