Irish troops: Only mandate in Lebanon is peacekeeping not peace-enforcing

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny last night insisted Irish troops should only be sent to Lebanon as peacekeepers — not enforcers of the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah.

Speaking at the Michael Collins commemoration, of the 84th anniversary of his death at Beal na mBláth, Mr Kenny said Irish soldiers could only be deployed in very specific circumstances.

“Discussions are ongoing about a new UN peacekeeping force for the region. I will support Irish involvement in such a force provided, firstly its mandate is peacekeeping, not peace-enforcing. And secondly, if I am confident it would have the co-operation and support of the Lebanese and Israeli Governments,” he said.