Ivor Callely
Question:145 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Irish contingent of the United Nations force in Ethiopia; the success or otherwise of its mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/01]
Vol. 545 No. 4
145 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Irish contingent of the United Nations force in Ethiopia; the success or otherwise of its mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/01]
On 31 July 2000 the United Nations Security Council, under Resolution 1312, established the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea – UNMEE – consisting of up to 100 military observers and the necessary civilian support staff in anticipation of a peacekeeping operation subject to future authorisation. Under Resolution 1320 of 15 September 2000, the Security Council authorised the deployment within UNMEE of up to 4,200 troops until 15 March. On the latter date, the Security Council by its Resolution 1344 extended UNMEE's mandate at the previously authorised levels of troops and military observers until 15 September. Resolution 1369 of 14 September extended the mandate for a further six months until 15 March 2002.
On 15 June, in the context of the withdrawal of the Irish Contingent from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL – the UN formally invited Ireland to contribute a Guard and Administration Company to serve with UNMEE at the Force Headquarters in Asmara, Eritrea, with effect from 11 December, for a minimum period of 12 months.
A Defence Forces team undertook a fact finding visit to the mission area during July to decide matters such as the precise role of the Defence Forces within UNMEE and the size of contingent needed to discharge that role, as well as the equipment required. A security assessment was also carried out taking account of the situation on the ground at the time.