Cabinet Approves Ongoing Peacekeeping Missions In Afghanistan And Kosovo

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea TD secured Cabinet approval last week for the continued deployment of Irish troops serving in Kosovo (KFOR) and Afghanistan (ISAF).

The Cabinet authorised the Irish contingent in KFOR, which consists of 284 personnel, to remain in Kosovo for a further period of 12 months. 

The 7 soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan have been authorised to remain for a further period subject to on-going review the Minister.

"Ireland shares and supports the determination of the international community, through the international presence in Kosovo, to help build a safe and secure Kosovo, with guarantees for the promotion and protection of the rights of all communities and their members," he said after the extensions were approved.

"We are positively engaged in this effort through our enhanced troop presence in the UN mandated KFOR mission, and we are committed to contributing 8 members of An Garda Siochana to the EULEX (ESDP rule of law) mission.

"The situation in the Irish area of responsibility is currently described as calm and the threat of attacks on KFOR personnel is assessed as low."

"The seven members of the Defence Forces that are operating with ISAF, are in staff appointments in ISAF HQ in Kabul. They are generally situated within the ISAF compound, and are therefore subject to enhanced security. The situation on the ground will continue to be the subject of on going risk assessment," he oncluded.