|
|
Untitled Document
Ireland is unique in Western Europe in that it is the only neutral country.
This neutrality enables Ireland to take full part in UN sponsored missions such
as that to Liberia this year. Ireland has gained a reputation throughout
the world as having one of the finest peacekeeping forces available. Soldiers
are trained, not only for major conflict, but specifically in the area
of Peacekeeping. Below are details of the current missions Irish troops
are serving with.
UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation
Set up in 1948, UNTSO was the first peacekeeping operation established
by the United Nations. UNTSO military observers remain in the Middle East
to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated
incidents from escalating and assist other UN peacekeeping operations
in the region.
Current Chief of Staff: Major-General Carl A. Dodd
(Ireland)
Irish Committment to Date: 410
Current Multi-National Strength: 154
Headquarters: Government House, Jerusalem
UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force
In Cyprus
UNFICYP was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting
between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. After the hostilities
of 1974, The Mission's responsibilities were expanded. UNFICYP remains
on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone and
undertake humanitarian activities.
Force Commander: Major-General Herbert Joaquin
Figoli Almandos (Uruguay)
Irish Committment to Date: 9649
Current Multi-National Strength: 1,247
Headquarters: Nicosia
NOTE: Ireland also contributes civilian police.
MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum
in Western Sahara
Western Sahara, a Territory on the north-west coast
of Africa bordered by Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria, was administered
by Spain until 1976. Both Morocco and Mauritania affirmed their claim
to the territory, a claim opposed by the Frente Popular para la Liberación
de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).
Force Commander: Major-General Gyorgy Szaraz
(Hungary)
Irish Committment to Date: 113
Current Multi-National Strength: 225
Headquarters: Laayoune, Western Sahara
UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration
Mission in Kosovo
UNMIK was born on 10 June 1999 when the Security
Council in resolution 1244 authorized the Secretary-General to establish
in the war-ravaged province of Kosovo an interim civilian administration
led by the United Nations under which its people could progressively enjoy
substantial autonomy.
Head of Mission: Mr. Harri Holkeri (Finland)
Irish Committment to Date: 8
Current Multi-National Strength: 5,537
Headquarters: Pristina
UNMEE United Nations Mission in Ethiopia
and Eritrea
On 31 June, the Security Council, by its resolution
1312 (2000), decided to establish the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia
and Eritrea (UNMEE) consisting of up to 100 military observers and the
necessary civilian support staff in anticipation of a peacekeeping operation
subject to future authorization.
Force Commander: Major-General Rajender Singh
(India)
Irish Committment to Date: 700
Current Multi-National Strength: 3,896
Headquarters: Asmara, Eritrea and Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
UNMIL United Nations Mission in Liberia
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was
established by Security Council resolution 1509 (2003) of 19 September
2003 to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the
peace process; protect United Nations staff, facilities and civilians;
support humanitarian and human rights activities; as well as assist in
national security reform, including national police training and formation
of a new, restructured military.
Force Commander: Lieutenant-General Daniel
Ishmael Opande (Kenya)
Irish Committment to Date: Large
Current Multi-National Strength: 14,616
Headquarters: Monrovia
The Partnership for Peace initiative (PfP) allows Irish troops to serve
under NATO command in the KFOR and SFOR missions.
KFOR Kosovo Force
The Kosovo Force (KFOR) is a NATO-led international
force responsible for establishing and maintaining security in Kosovo.
This peace-enforcement force entered Kosovo
on 12 June 1999 under a United Nations mandate, two days after the adoption
of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Irish soldiers serve in the Finland/Ireland
Battle group which consists of 530 Finnish troops and 150 Irish troops
at any one time. An Irish Infantry Company replaced the Transport Company
that had been in KFOR since its inception in 1999. Altogether there are
approximately 260 Irish troops serving in Kosovo.
SFOR Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Stabilisation Force (SFOR) will deter hostilities and stabilise the
peace, contribute to a secure environment by providing a continued military
presence in the Area Of Responsibility (AOR), target and coordinate SFOR
support to key areas including primary civil implementation organisations,
and progress towards a lasting consolidation of peace, without further
need for NATO-led forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Irish troops are found
in the so-called 'Theatre Group' which consists of 1,000 multi-national
troops.
|
|
|
Defence Forces
