Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - Peacekeeping Missions.

Dan Boyle

Question:

144 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the French and UK proposals to the recent General Affairs Council that the EU take over the peacekeeping operation in Bosnia in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

At the European Council in Copenhagen on 12-13 December 2002, the EU indicated its willingness to take over a follow-on force to the current NATO-led, UN-authorised SFOR military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Secretary General-High Representative Solana and the Presidency were invited to begin consultations to this end with the Bosnian authorities, as well as with EU Special Representative and Dayton High Representative Ashdown, NATO and other international players. On this basis, it was also agreed that a preliminary report on the matter should be submitted to the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting to be held in February. In early February, France and Britain announced their intention to submit further proposals to the Council in this regard.

In the event, both texts were submitted to Council as scheduled and were given a broad initial welcome by member states. There was much convergence between the two submissions and EU partners were in agreement on the importance of an integrated approach to guaranteeing a secure environment in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In particular, it will be necessary to ensure coherence between any EU-led military force and the EU police mission which has been under way in Bosnia since 1 January of this year, in succession to the outgoing UN international police task force.

An appropriate legal basis for the operation will also be important. SFOR and its predecessor IFOR are based on UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and it is envisaged that this authority will need to be extended to the EU-led force.

From a national perspective, I consider that an EU take over of SFOR raises no difficulties of principle for Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, SFOR has as its mandate the implementation of the military aspects of the general framework agreement for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the "Dayton Agreement". Its role is to contribute to a secure environment necessary for consolidation and stabilisation of peace in the region and it works closely with the other international agencies principally involved in the implementation of its role. Any EU mission would be in continuance of these activities and should be considered in the context of overall EU political and economic activity in the Balkans region.

I would also point to the fact that Ireland has participated successfully in SFOR since 1997. We would particularly support the transfer of the Security Council authorisation for SFOR to the EU-led force and we will be underlining the importance of effective coordination between military and civilian instruments in the EU's approach to the operation.

SG-HR Solana and the Presidency will now continue their consultations with the Bosnian authorities and with NATO, Lord Ashdown and other international organisations over the coming months. The matter is due to be revisited by the Council in May.