Conference aims to improve EU/UC military co-operation

A major conference aimed at improving military co-operation between the European Union and United Nations is getting under way today in Dublin.

As part of Ireland’s EU Presidency the seminar will promote better links in peacekeeping and military crisis management.

Jean-Marie Guehenno, UN under-secretary general for peacekeeping, will deliver the UN keynote address at the seminar in Citywest.

Mr Guehenno, a French national working with the UN Department of Peacekeeping, will address a gathering of senior military and civilian personnel from the EU and UN.

The two-day seminar, hosted by the Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan, will also form expert panels to discuss rapid response, effective operations and parameters for operation.

Mr Guehenno will also be visiting the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to inspect the a Defence Forces Guard of Honour.

Irish troops who have died while serving with the UN will also be remembered at a wreath laying ceremony at the hospital.