16/06/2014

Taoiseach And Defence Minister To Visit Irish Troops In Lebanon

Taoiseach Enda Kenny travels to Lebanon today to meet with Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Taoiseach and Defence Minister is accompanied on the visit by Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Defence Paul Kehoe.

During his visit the Taoiseach will meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam in Beirut, where discussions will include the importance of the UNIFIL mission in South Lebanon and its contribution to the security, stability and peace in that region. The Taoiseach will reiterate the commitment of the Irish Government through the United Nations to assist with the protection and maintenance of Lebanese sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Salam the Taoiseach will also announce an additional €2 million in emergency funding to assist Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the communities who are hosting them.

The Taoiseach will then travel to the Headquarters of the joint Finnish/Irish Battalion in South Lebanon. On arrival the Taoiseach will meet with UNIFIL Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Kumar and Finnish/Irish Battalion Chief of Staff Major Ollonqvist. The Taoiseach will receive a briefing on the mission from Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Campion, Officer Commanding the 45th Irish Infantry Group.

(CD/IT)

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