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24/02/2009
O'Dea Begins Chad Visit
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has began a three-day visit to Irish troops serving in war-torn Chad.
Mr O'Dea is to hold talks tonight in Chad capital N'Djamena, where he will brief senior UN officials and Chadian political leaders on the current conflict.
Ireland is the second largest contributor of personnel to the Chad mission, which is under the overall control of Co Limerick native, Lieutenant General Pat Nash.
Last week, Irish soldiers in the region where surprised by a visit from Hollywood actor George Clooney, who was recently appointed United Nations messenger of peace, and is an avid campaigner for an end to the conflict in Chad and neighbouring Darfur.
The Eufor-mandated mission, which currently includes 416 Defence Forces personnel, will come under the command of the UN on March 15.
Eufor is handing over control of the mission to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad.
A spokesman said: "The TD will also hold talks with senior NGO officials to be briefed on the humanitarian situation on the ground and will visit a refugee camp to meet aid workers and to see conditions at first hand."
Mr O'Dea will also tour an Irish area of operations in Goz Beida.
(DW/BMcC)
Mr O'Dea is to hold talks tonight in Chad capital N'Djamena, where he will brief senior UN officials and Chadian political leaders on the current conflict.
Ireland is the second largest contributor of personnel to the Chad mission, which is under the overall control of Co Limerick native, Lieutenant General Pat Nash.
Last week, Irish soldiers in the region where surprised by a visit from Hollywood actor George Clooney, who was recently appointed United Nations messenger of peace, and is an avid campaigner for an end to the conflict in Chad and neighbouring Darfur.
The Eufor-mandated mission, which currently includes 416 Defence Forces personnel, will come under the command of the UN on March 15.
Eufor is handing over control of the mission to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad.
A spokesman said: "The TD will also hold talks with senior NGO officials to be briefed on the humanitarian situation on the ground and will visit a refugee camp to meet aid workers and to see conditions at first hand."
Mr O'Dea will also tour an Irish area of operations in Goz Beida.
(DW/BMcC)
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