50th Infantry Group To Join UNDOF

Ireland's 50th Infantry Group are due to leave for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

Carrying out an official review of the Group, Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, said: "Ireland's substantial contribution to international peace support operations depends on the ongoing commitment of Defence Forces personnel to serve overseas in often difficult and dangerous circumstances."

Recalling the significant events in UNDOF during the past year, the Minister noted that the escalation of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic has severely affected the mission's area of operations.

"Most UNDOF personnel are now deployed on the Israeli side of the area of separation rather than in the area of separation itself. However, UNDOF remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights. The continued support of troop contributing countries, such as Ireland, to the mission, is vital to allow the mission to continue the implementation of its mandate", the Minister said. 

The Minister added: "Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict in Syria, which is creating such difficulties for your mission in UNDOF, is directly contributing to the crisis in the Mediterranean where your colleagues from the Naval Service are engaged in a major search and rescue operation to save the lives of refugees, many of whom are from Syria".

(MH/CD)