Irish troops in Liberia under close watch

DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea pledged yesterday to monitor closely the situation in Liberia where a new battalion of 430 Irish troops are set to join a United Nations mission at the end of the month.

Mr O'Dea conceded the situation in the Liberian capital was "dangerous" after Irish troops were forced to intervene in a riot last week to save the life of a civilian who was being attacked by rioters.

Speaking at the review of the 92nd Infantry Battalion bound for Liberia in Collins Barracks, Cork, Mr O'Dea said: "I can well understand why some of you may be worried by the recent violence in Monrovia this is of particular concern to all of us and particularly me as Minister for Defence."