Michael Ring
Question:56 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the UN. [12831/00]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
I visited the United Nations in New York on 24 and 25 April last. The main purpose of my visit was to address the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference which opened on 24 April. I have reported separately to the House on that aspect of my visit.
I was anxious to raise during my visit the Government's concerns about the safety of the Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL, particularly in the context of Israel's announcement that it will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon by 7 July. On Monday 24 April, I met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Louise Fréchette, and senior officials of the UN Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Political Affairs. I emphasised the absolute priority that the Government attaches to the safety and security of our troops. I was assured by the Deputy Secretary-General that the UN shares our concerns for the safety and security of all UN personnel in southern Lebanon and that the UN is fully committed to sharing all information with troop contributing countries. The UN is engaged in contingency planning for the post-withdrawal situation and the Secretary-General's special envoy has just made a fact-finding visit to the region. Our permanent mission in New York maintains close contact with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in this regard.
While in New York I had a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov on the situation in Chechnya, in my capacity as chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. I also had a number of contacts with Ministers and other representatives of UN member states and I took the opportunity to promote Ireland's candidature for election to the Security Council as a non-permanent member for the years 2001-02.