Irish peacekeepers happy with progress in south Lebanon

Irish peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon say they are very happy with the progress of their mission in the area.

The 158-strong contingent is providing protection for Finnish soldiers clearing unexploded cluster bombs following last July's attack by Israel.

They say the clearance operation has been a good success so far, but civilians still face a massive threat from the thousands of unexploded bombs left behind by the Israelis.

Meanwhile, the head of the Irish contingent, Lieutenant Colonel John Molloy, who liaises between the Israelis and the Lebanese, says he is confident that peace will hold in the region.

"Both parties are very anxious to maintain this peace that we have had for the past six months and, based on that, I would have to be confident that both parties will retain the same attitude that they have done so far," he says.