Vol. 520 No. 1
105 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations made to the UN and Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of our Defence Force members serving in southern Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15112/00]
The withdrawal of the Israeli armed forces from southern Lebanon on 22-24 May took place several weeks ahead of expectations. Nevertheless, the situation on the ground has been relatively peaceful and the Irish forces serving with UNIFIL are all reported safe and well. It is not currently considered that Irish battalion personnel are at risk as a result of the recent turn of events. My Department and the Department of Defence will continue to monitor the situation closely in consultation with United Nations headquarters in New York and with our personnel on the ground.
I wrote to the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, on 17 April and emphasised that the safety of the Irish troops is of paramount concern to the Government and that it was crucial that the security of the force be assured in the period after the Israeli withdrawal. During my subsequent visit to New York on 24-26 April, I met the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Louise Fréchette, and senior officials of the UN departments of peacekeeping operations and political affairs to discuss developments. I again emphasised the absolute priority the Government attaches to the safety and security of our troops. The Deputy Secretary-General assured me 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. Briefings have been given to these countries, including Ireland, since the Israeli withdrawal. The UN Secretary-General's special envoy, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, has now returned to the region and is meeting all the governments involved. He is seeking guarantees that they will fully co-operate with UNIFIL to enable it to fulfil its mandate in conditions of safety.
My Department has also taken the opportunities presented by our ongoing bilateral contacts with Israel, both in Dublin and through our ambassador in Tel Aviv, to stress the importance that the Government attaches to ensuring the safety of our personnel. We have been assured of Israel's commitment to the safety of the UNIFIL force. In addition, I have discussed the situation in southern Lebanon with my opposite numbers from a number of countries, including the United States and France.
