Irish troops considered for Liberia
August 14, 2003
(20:08) Discussions are underway between the United Nations and officials of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence about the possibility of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia.
The discussions are said to be at an early stage, and its not clear what role is envisaged for Irish soldiers.
However, there are suggestions that as many as 200 members of the Defence Force could be asked to serve.
Earlier, Liberian rebels officially handed over the port in the capital Monrovia to a Nigerian-led peacekeeping force.
The handover, which took place at a brief ceremony attended by the US ambassador and a rebel commander, allows deliveries of badly needed food, water and medicines to be stepped up.
Meanwhile, the first wave of 200 United States Marines were flown by helicopter to the capital's airport from a naval task force stationed off the Liberian coast to back up the peacekeeping operation.
The arrival of the US troops followed an agreement brokered by the American Ambassador, John Blaney.
Lorry-loads of Nigerian troops entered rebel-held territory, where they were greeted by thousands of people.
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August 14, 2003
(20:08) Discussions are underway between the United Nations and officials of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence about the possibility of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia.
The discussions are said to be at an early stage, and its not clear what role is envisaged for Irish soldiers.
However, there are suggestions that as many as 200 members of the Defence Force could be asked to serve.
Earlier, Liberian rebels officially handed over the port in the capital Monrovia to a Nigerian-led peacekeeping force.
The handover, which took place at a brief ceremony attended by the US ambassador and a rebel commander, allows deliveries of badly needed food, water and medicines to be stepped up.
Meanwhile, the first wave of 200 United States Marines were flown by helicopter to the capital's airport from a naval task force stationed off the Liberian coast to back up the peacekeeping operation.
The arrival of the US troops followed an agreement brokered by the American Ambassador, John Blaney.
Lorry-loads of Nigerian troops entered rebel-held territory, where they were greeted by thousands of people.
Video
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