Irish Deputy Premier Simon Harris will reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to the UN mission in Lebanon during his visit. He will address security issues in talks with Lebanese officials, honor fallen soldier Private Sean Rooney, and announce increased funding for community projects.
Simon Harris, the Deputy Premier of Ireland, is set to reaffirm the nation’s steadfast commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon during his visit this week, amid rising tensions with Israel. His discussions with Lebanese foreign affairs and defense ministers in Beirut will also encompass the pressing matter of security and stability within Lebanon.
A significant aspect of Mr. Harris’s visit is the remembrance of Private Sean Rooney, an Irish soldier who tragically lost his life while on duty in Lebanon in December 2022. Mr. Harris intends to address the Irish Government’s concerns regarding the sluggish progress of the legal proceedings related to Rooney’s death, which has caused distress for his family.
Moreover, during his visit to Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon, Mr. Harris will engage with members of the 125th Infantry Battalion who are part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. He aims to express the Irish public’s profound pride in their contributions while announcing an increase in funding to 80,000 euros for Civil-Military Cooperation projects that benefit local communities.
In conclusion, Simon Harris’s visit to Lebanon underscores Ireland’s commitment to the UN peacekeeping mission and highlights ongoing concerns regarding security and legal justice. The Irish Government’s support for its soldiers, along with an increase in funding for humanitarian projects, illustrates a dedication to both the troops and the communities they serve. The remembrance of Private Sean Rooney serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Irish peacekeepers.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
