Tánaiste meets Lebanese Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs in Beirut

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, this evening met the Lebanese Ministers for Defence, Maurice Sleem, and Foreign Affairs & Emigrants, Dr Abdullah Bou Habib, in Beirut.

Mr Martin had spent the earlier part of the day visiting the Defence Forces’ personnel of the 121st Infantry Battalion in Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45), where he met and spoke with colleagues of the late Private Seán Rooney, who was killed on 14th December.

This evening’s meetings with the Lebanese Ministers was an opportunity to underline the need to ensure that the ongoing Lebanese investigation into Private Rooney’s death is as thorough and complete as possible.

Mr Martin also thanked the Ministers for the expressions of sympathy from the Lebanese Government.

The Tánaiste reiterated the determination of the Irish Government that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone will be left unturned to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The Tánaiste also assured both Ministers that Ireland remains committed to continuing its support for Lebanon, as part of the UNIFIL mission since 1978, as well as having provided significant humanitarian support for many years.

Mr Martin confirmed his view that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a stabilising influence in the region, operating in partnership with the Lebanese Defence Forces, in accordance with UNIFIL’s mandate.

The Tánaiste and the Lebanese Ministers also discussed a number of other issues, including the political and economic issues in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Ends.