Michael Bell
Question:47 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent official visit to Lebanon and the Czech Republic. [9000/01]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
I visited Irish troops serving with the United Nations in Lebanon during the period 12 to 16 March 2001. I also visited the Czech Republic from 16 to 18 March 2001. During my visit to Lebanon, I was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. The main purpose of my visit was to observe at first hand the work of Irish military personnel serving in the area and to assure them, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, how proud we are of the outstanding manner in which they have consistently performed their duties on United Nations service.
During the course of my visit to Lebanon, I met the Lebanese Minister for Defence, Mr. Khalid Hrawi, the Lebanese Chief of Staff and Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Army, General Sleiman and the UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Obeng, as well as other local representatives and dignitaries. Minister Hrawi told me that he regarded the situation in south Lebanon as good some nine months after the Israeli withdrawal. However, he pointed out that the Shabaa farms area was still occupied, which meant that Resolution 425 had still not been fully implemented. The continued presence of UNIFIL in the south was positive and much desired by Lebanon. Ireland's contribution was highly valued and Ireland's programme of assistance to civilians was greatly appreciated. Minister Hrawi expressed his consciousness of the level of losses sustained by Irishbatt over the years and expressed the gratitude of the Lebanese people and the Lebanese Government.
During the meeting, I explained that our UN role was of great significance to the Irish Defence Forces. Ireland now had 23 years experience in Lebanon and had developed a great rapport with the Lebanese people and an understanding of their position. I indicated that I will be proposing to the Government that we send a further battalion in April 2001, which would be in place until October of this year. We await the Secretary General's report to the Security Council in July, when he will make suggestions about the future UN presence in Lebanon. An observer force with an armed element seemed the most likely future presence.
Minister Hwari expressed concern regarding the question of de-mining, both in the formerly occupied areas and in some villages. Assistance had been received from the UN and EU but he said that more was needed. The Lebanese Government would hold a workshop on de-mining needs and resources for potential contributor countries. I indicated that Ireland would do anything as a member of the Security Council to promote UN assistance regarding the question of de- mining. The question of the attendance of Defence Forces technical personnel at a workshop on de-mining which is being planned by the Lebanese authorities would, I indicated, be considered. I emphasised that the experience of Lebanon had been positive for the Defence Forces and for Ireland. I also took the opportunity to commend the work of Honorary Consul General and Mrs. Daouk in support of Ireland's role in Lebanon over the years.
I also visited Prague from 16 to 18 March 2001 where I met with the Czech Republic Defence Minister, Mr. Vladimir Vetchy. I was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department. The principal items of discussion were Irish peacekeeping experience in Lebanon and the peace process generally in the Middle East; mine clearance in conflict areas; the White Paper on defence: the Irish experience; conditions of service for military personnel; developments on the Macedonia-Kosovo border and Czech membership of the EU.