John Bruton
Ceist:81 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the French proposal for military intervention in Rwanda; and if Ireland has indicated willingness to contribute to such a project.
Written Answers. - Proposal for Military Intervention in Rwanda.
Ireland has supported the speedy implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 918 of 17 May and 925 of 8 June concerning the deployment of the expanded UNAMIR force in Rwanda. As I indicated in the Dáil on 1 June, the Government would give serious consideration to any request from the UN for a contribution to UNAMIR.
At the European Council in Corfu on 24-25 June Ireland, in common with our European partners, welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 929. This Resolution which originated in a French proposal authorised the establishment of a temporary operation to protect displaced persons, refugees, and civilians at risk in Rwanda, pending the arrival of the reinforced UNAMIR.
The European Council also welcomed the 21 June decision of the Western European Union to support the efforts of its member states which have expressed their willingness to contribute to this operation by ensuring the co-ordination of their contributions.
Ireland is not in a position to contribute troops to the temporary operation established under Resolution 929, but we will consider any request for logistical or material support.