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23/04/2008
Irish Soldiers 'Needed In Kosovo For Many More Years'
The Irish commander of the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo has said Irish soldiers are to remain in the country.
Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty briefed Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces on the current situation in the contested Serbian province.
He said Irish soldiers are "needed in Kosovo for many years to come to ensure peace and stability".
He also said the Kosovan economy would be on 'life support' from Brussels for up to two generations.
Mr O'Dea is also due to meet the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo before travelling to Vienna tomorrow for talks with the Austrian Defence Minister.
Following the Kosovo War in 1999 the territory came under the interim administration of the United Nations, supported by a contingent from the Irish Army.
Provisional Institutions of Self-Government are presently in place, however, independent sovereignty of the area is still disputed by Serbia.
The military in Kosovo is still in the process of being organized following the partially recognised Declaration of Independence of February 2008.
There is as yet no set date for the state to take over homeland security for the area.
(DW)
Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty briefed Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces on the current situation in the contested Serbian province.
He said Irish soldiers are "needed in Kosovo for many years to come to ensure peace and stability".
He also said the Kosovan economy would be on 'life support' from Brussels for up to two generations.
Mr O'Dea is also due to meet the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo before travelling to Vienna tomorrow for talks with the Austrian Defence Minister.
Following the Kosovo War in 1999 the territory came under the interim administration of the United Nations, supported by a contingent from the Irish Army.
Provisional Institutions of Self-Government are presently in place, however, independent sovereignty of the area is still disputed by Serbia.
The military in Kosovo is still in the process of being organized following the partially recognised Declaration of Independence of February 2008.
There is as yet no set date for the state to take over homeland security for the area.
(DW)
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