Sir, – Ireland, like the UK, has a long and proud record of commitment to UN peacekeeping.
Peacekeepers put their lives on the line to carry out the mandates given to them by the UN Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. All UN members states are obliged to support and sustain the UN’s peacekeeping missions.
That is why the UK, as highlighted in the joint statement by foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK, has has been so deeply concerned by the recent attacks by the Israel Defense Forces on Unifil bases in Lebanon where several hundred Irish troops operate. We condemn all threats to Unifil’s security. All attacks on UN peacekeepers must cease immediately.
For my government, international rule of law is essential to every aspect of our policy. We are clear that any deliberate attack against Unifil is contrary to international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
We call on Israel and all parties to uphold their obligations to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and to allow Unifil to carry out its crucial mandate. – Yours, etc,
PAUL JOHNSTON,
British Ambassador to Ireland,
Dublin 4.