John Gormley
Ceist:66 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with any European leader in relation to the situation in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12050/99]
Written Answers. - Kosovo Crisis.
Since the start of the crisis there, Kosovo has invariably figured high on the agenda of all discussions I have had with my European counterparts. This is particularly so in the case of discussions within the framework of the EU. I refer the Deputy to the extensive report which I made to the House on 15 June in respect of the discussions which took place at the Cologne European Council.
Following the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of resolution 1244 on 10 June setting out in detail the way in which a political solution in Kosovo can be found, the focus of the international community is now on seeing that its provisions are implemented in full.
The General Affairs Council on 21 June had detailed discussions on the contribution which the Union will be making to this process. Under the arrangements for civil implementation, which will be under the overall control of the United Nations, the European Union will have the lead role in reconstruction and economic affairs. The Council's discussions also covered in depth the wider regional context, including the stability pact for South Eastern Europe. We are convinced that a durable solution to Kosovo can only be assured if the problems of the wider region are also addressed.
Subsequently I had detailed discussions on 23 June with my Finnish counterpart, Mrs. Halonen, on her plans for their forthcoming Presidency of the EU, and I am pleased at the priority and attention that Finland will be giving to the subject of Kosovo and the wider region over the next six months.
In my discussions on the situation in Kosovo, the question of the contribution that Ireland is making to address the immediate humanitarian needs and also the longer term requirements for reconstruction and the maintenance of peace has also arisen. Information about this contribution, which is a substantial one, has been communicated to the House.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:67 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis on which Irish troops might be committed to support the peace settlement in Kosovo. [12840/99]
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1244 on 10 June 1999 which, among other things, authorised the establishment and deployment of an international security presence in Kosovo (KFOR) with all necessary means to fulfil its responsibilities under the Security Council Resolution. The Security Council envisages that KFOR, with substantial North Atlantic Treaty Organisation participation, must be deployed under unified command and control with the aim of establishing a safe environment for all people in Kosovo and facilitating the safe return to their homes of all displaced persons and refugees. KFOR, like the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which Ireland is currently participating, will include a broad range of troop contributing nations, encompassing NATO members and states who are not NATO members. KFOR's deployment is accepted by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Security Council Resolution established KFOR for an initial period of 12 months from June 1999, to continue thereafter unless the Security Council decides otherwise.
On 29 June 1999, on the basis of a proposal submitted by me, and with the agreement of the Minister for Defence, the Government decided, subject to Dáil approval, on participation by a contingent from the Permanent Defence Force in KFOR. It is proposed that the Irish contingent would comprise a transport group of some 80-100 personnel. It is envisaged that deployment could begin at a minimum approximately six or seven weeks from Dáil approval.
KFOR will work closely with the international civil presence in Kosovo whose establishment was authorised by the same Security Council Resolution. The international civil presence will draw on the assistance of relevant international organisations in order to provide an interim administration for Kosovo.
As the Irish contingent for KFOR will exceed 12 in number and will be armed, Dáil approval of the dispatch of the contingent is required under the terms of the Defence Acts. Troop contributors to KFOR are responsible for their own costs. Approval by the Dáil will thus also be sought for an exchange of letters with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which sets out Ireland's financial responsibility, as a non-NATO troop contributor, arising from participation in KFOR. The text of this exchange of letters has been laid before the Dáil. I have put forward the necessary motion of approval for consideration by the Dáil.
Consideration is also being given to supplying a small number of officers to the UN for military liaison tasks between the international civil and security presences in Kosovo.