Billy Timmins
Question:16 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the safety of Irish personnel serving in UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22377/00]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
The safety and security of Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon is a matter of the utmost concern to the Government at all times. My Department takes every appropriate opportunity presented by our ongoing bilateral contacts with Israel to stress the importance that the Government attaches to ensuring the safety of our personnel.
The Israeli authorities are well aware of our concerns with regard to the situation in southern Lebanon. This morning I met with Rabbi Melchior, the Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs, who is visiting Dublin in his capacity as special emissary of Prime Minister Barak. I stressed to him the need for maintaining maximum restraint on the part of the Israeli military along the border with Lebanon. The situation in southern Lebanon was also discussed during the visit to Dublin of the Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel, Mr. Nawaf Massalha, in late September. We have been assured at all times of Israel's appreciation for the presence of UNIFIL and its commitment to the safety of the UNIFIL force.
The Government is monitoring the current situation in southern Lebanon very closely, having regard to the recent tragic upsurge in violence elsewhere in the region. Close liaison is also being maintained with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as well as the Lebanese authorities. So far there have been no incidents affecting our UNIFIL personnel.