Irish premier Micheal Martin visited peacekeepers in Lebanon, meeting with Lebanon's Prime Minister to demand justice for a fallen Irish soldier. The Taoiseach pressed Nawaf Salam on the killing of Private Sean Rooney, whose main convicted killer remains at large.
Martin traveled to Camp Shamrock in south Lebanon, close to the Israeli border, where hundreds of Irish troops serve with the UN peacekeeping force Unifil. He told the soldiers gathered it was "an honour" to "personally acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice that each of you demonstrates in the service of peace, and your country".
The visit comes "during this particularly challenging time" as troops spend Christmas away from loved ones. Ireland has participated in UN peacekeeping for just short of 70 years.
Pressing for accountability
In Beirut, Martin met Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and emphasized the government's responsibility to protect peacekeepers. He made clear Ireland's determination to pursue justice for Private Rooney's killing.
"Accountability means that the people responsible for the death of Sean Rooney are brought to justice, proper justice, the sentencing was extremely lenient and the people are at large," Martin said.
An ambush struck a UN convoy in southern Lebanon on December 14, 2022, killing the 24-year-old from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal. The Irish Government has described some sentences as "unduly lenient".
Mission nearing conclusion
Martin told Salam he emphasised the important role of the Lebanese Government in respecting and protecting the role of peacekeepers, as Unifil works towards bringing peace and stability. He made it "very clear to the prime minister the absolute determination of the Irish Government to continue to pursue justice for this terrible crime".
Addressing the soldiers, the Taoiseach said he was "immensely proud of the long tradition of Irish peacekeeping". "Those involved in ongoing efforts for peace are doing critically important work. It is work that we in Ireland and people all over the world hope and pray is successful," he said.
The Unifil mission has operated for almost 50 years. The UN designed it as an interim force. Its mandate is due to end in December 2026. Ireland remains committed to supporting Lebanon and the peacekeeping mission through its conclusion.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
