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]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
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.
On 18 July the Government authorised, subject to the approval of the Dáil, the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with UNMEE for a period of one year from December. On 26 October Dáil Éireann approved the despatch of the contingent which will comprise 209 Defence Forces personnel. An advance party was deployed to the mission area on 26 November. The main body of the contingent will be deployed tomorrow. The contingent is required to become operational on 11 December.
In response to a separate request from the UN, two members of the Defence Forces were deployed to the mission in June, to take up staff appointments in UNMEE Force headquarters in Asmara, Eritrea. Following further requests from the UN in September, seven more members of the Defence Forces will have taken up staff appointments in UNMEE Force HQ by the operational date.
With regard to the role of the Irish contingent, which will be based in Asmara, Eritrea, it is proposed that the Defence Forces personnel will carry out the following tasks: provide signals technical support to UNMEE HQ; provide perimeter defence and internal security for UNMEE HQ building; provide security for convoys and escort of key personnel-VIPs; provide transport services for headquarters staff; provide tactical mobile command post; provide catering and accommodation facilities for transit personnel; provide manning of military staff message centre; provide military police for the Irish component, and liaison with Force military police unit; and provide military staff and general administrative support to UNMEE.
With regard to the UNMEE mission, since the signing of the Algiers Agreement in December 2000 considerable progress has been achieved. With the exception of some isolated incidents, Ethiopia and Eritrea have complied with their commitment to keep the peace, in particular, through the establishment of the temporary security zone in April, the full deployment of UNMEE and the establishment of the two commissions on border demarcation and on compensation for war damages.