asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government intend to press for mandatory economic sanctions against Israel in the light of the invasion of the Lebanon or to support any call for such sanctions; and, if not, the reason.
Written Answers. - Lebanon Invasion.
860.
Ireland has joined with its partners in the European Community in vigorously condemning the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. It considers the Israeli action a flagrant violation of international law and has called on Israel to withdraw its forces immediately and unconditionally from the Lebanon, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 509.
Ireland voted in the Security Council on 8 June for a draft resolution which envisaged a further meeting of that body to consider practical ways and means in accordance with the UN Charter to induce compliance with its earlier Resolutions on the situation. As Deputies are aware this draft resolution was not adopted. Diplomatic efforts are however still in train to secure the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Government will contribute in whatever way it can to these efforts.
Ireland is at the same time involved in examining, together with its partners in the Ten, the possibilities for future action if Israeli forces do not withdraw from Lebanon.
861.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will support and press for a revised and strengthened mandate for UNIFIL to enable the interim forces to establish and maintain peace effectively in the Lebanon.
The role of UNIFIL as set out in its mandate is and always has been one of peacekeeping and not peace-enforcement. Ireland is fully committed to such operations and has on numerous occasions underlined its support for the concept of peacekeeping under the control of the United Nations.
Ireland is in continuous discussion with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and with other troop contributing countries as to the future role of UNIFIL.
In the present very difficult and uncertain climate of the Lebanon it is impossible to predict future requirements. However, we support the view that UNIFIL should remain in the Lebanon as long as it has a peacekeeping role to play. Ireland would wish to remain a troop contributor to the force in such circumstances.
862.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will make additional troops available for service with UNIFIL to enable a complete buffer zone to be established.
The question of renewal of the mandate of UNIFIL will be considered by the Security Council of the United Nations at the end of this week.
As stated in my reply to the previous question, we support the view that UNIFIL should remain in the Lebanon as long as it has a peacekeeping role to play. The question of additional Irish troops does not arise for consideration at this stage.