Annan praises Irish role in EU-UN relations

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has said the Government has taken EU-UN cooperation to a new level during its recent presidency of the European Union.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, where he addressed the Forum on Europe, Mr Annan said that Irish people do not just preach multilateralism, they practice it.

He also praised the Irish contribution to UN peacekeeping and the Irish commitment to providing 0.7% of GNP to overseas aid.

Also speaking at the forum was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern. Mr Ahern said Ireland's neutrality would not be compromised by the creation of an EU rapid reaction force.