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 Govt plays down UN Middle East peacekeeping 'request' 8/15/2006 - 7:15:54 PM The Government tonight played down reports the UN had requested Irish troops join a peacekeeping force in the Middle East. The Department of Defence confirmed an Irish ambassador did attend a United Nations meeting on the issue last night, but stressed there was no official invite to join a 15,000-strong mission. “The reason for the meeting was for us to listen to the UN’s proposal as to how they see the peace keeping corps set up,” said a spokesman. “This was a meeting of potential participators. We we will need to seek more details of the role of the corps, the tasks involved, the type of contribution looked at from member states. “Further meetings will be held during the week.” The spokesman stressed that any decision to join a force would have to pass UN mandate and need Government approval – with the possibility of the Dáil being recalled early to decide on the matter. The Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea previously said that more than 200 Irish troops could be available to join an international peace keeping force in the Middle East. But he insisted that before Ireland would consider playing a role, both Israel and Lebanon must commit to a ceasefire, a political deal to underpin that ceasefire, and the safety of our military would be paramount. A United Nations-backed ceasefire came into effect in the region yesterday. Around 850 Irish troops can be committed abroad at any one time. There are currently around 670 serving oversees – with around 375 of those in Liberia.
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