Written Answers. - Irish UN Contingent's Role in Somalia.
Martin Cullen
Ceist:
29
Mr. Cullen
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he has satisfied himself that the Irish United Nations Contingent has a valuable role to play in Somalia; his views on whether the UN presence in Somalia will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The 80 strong Irish transport contingent has been carrying out its functions in an exemplary manner since its arrival in Baidoa on 4 September 1993. The former UN Force Commander, General Bir, has praised the highly professional standard of the contingent. The unit fulfils a key function in servicing transportation requirements of other countries' contingents in the region. The participation of the Irish troops in UNOSOM reflects Ireland's strong commitment to helping Somalia and its people.
In November last year the Security Council decided to undertake a fundamental review of the mandate of UNOSOM by February 1994. To this end they requested the Secretary-General to report on the situation in Somalia and to provide an updated plan setting out UNOSOM II's future concerted strategy. The Secretary-General reported to the Security Council on 6 January.
He finds that while the level of security in the countryside is far superior to that of 18 months ago the Mogadishu area remains tense. Progress towards national reconciliation and reconstruction, which is essential to Somalia's future, has run into the major obstacle of deep division between the two main factional groups — the Group of Twelve, of which the most prominent leader is Ali Mahdi Mohamad, and the Somali National Alliance (SNA), under General Aidid.
Peace talks between the factions, which were held in Addis Ababa, broke down on 11 December. A key task of UNOSOM in the coming weeks will be to unblock the process of national reconciliation between the Somali factions.
In so far as the future of UNOSOM is concerned the Secretary-General has outlined three options relating to the mandate and functioning of UNOSOM as regards security
—the first is a continuation of UNOSOM II's current mandate with the addition of an extra brigade. This would call for disarmament, coercive is necessary, as well as a capability for defence against attacks on UNOSOM's personnel
—the second option calls for voluntary disarmament and the deployment of about 16,000 troops to protect ports, convoys and refugees
—the third option calls for the deployment of 5,000 troops which would keep control over Mogadishu airport as well as other important ports and airports.
Although his preference was for the first option, the Secretary-General has recommended the second for consideration by the Security Council. This option was chosen because he considered it "extremely doubtful" that the required level of resources would be available after 31 March to continue UNOSOM's current mandate.
Ireland's participation in the UNOSOM operation falls to be reviewed by the Government in the normal way before the end of February. In this connection I await with interest the review to be conducted by the Security Council and the decisions it will take on the future of the Force.
In addition the Minister for Defence will be reporting to the Dáil in the near future on the operational aspects of Ireland's commitment to UNOSOM in accordance with the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1993.
The Secretary-General has confirmed that whatever option is selected for the future of UNOSOM, the UN will continue its efforts to promote national reconciliation and institution-building. He states clearly that without an adequate UN force there would be an early resumption of civil strife. I agree with this.
I believe that the international community, through the UN, has played and will continue to play an important role in providing humanitarian assistance to the Somali people, and in helping the process of national reconciliation. Ireland will continue to be active in support of that effort.
