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Ireland to head Kosovo peacekeeping mission

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  • 19-09-2006 6:23pm
    #1
    Dub13
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 21,252 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/09/19/story277469.html

    19/09/2006 - 17:47:28



    Ireland is to take control of the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo from next year, it emerged today.

    The Defence Forces will be responsible for co-ordination of the Nato-led international task force in the Balkan state, commanding, controlling and directing operations.

    Willie O’Dea, Defence Minister, said it was a hugely significant day for the country’s troops.

    “This is a hugely significant day in the history of the Defence Forces,” he said.

    “Never before has Ireland acted in overall command of a multinational task force and it is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Defence Forces.”

    It will be the first time an Irish officer has held the post of Force Commander in Kosovo and most of the key planning and logistics posts will be filled by Irish officers.

    Ireland will take control of operations from August next year until July 2008.

    Mr O’Dea said the reputation and profile of Ireland’s Defence Forces would be greatly enhanced by the role. Some 80 more Irish troops will be deployed in the region, on top of the 213 soldiers already serving there.

    Five other nations are involved in a task force of 15,000 troops; Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland and Latvia.

    Mr O’Dea said the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo had helped restore confidence in the troubled region.

    “We are proud of the role that we have played in helping the people of Kosovo to move from war, mayhem, misery and fear towards a stable, secure and peaceful future,” the Minister said.

    “I have visited our troops serving there twice over the past two years where I saw the tremendous work they are doing and how vital Ireland’s participation is in this mission. Today is a very proud day for the Defence Forces.”


Comments

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    #2
    Manic Moran
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 16,411 Mod ✭✭✭✭Manic Moran


    Good for them. I hope they don't get overwhelmed, the KFOR is one and a half times as big as the entire Irish Defense Forces. Whoever winds up in charge of that mob is going to be at the pinnacle of his career.

    NTM


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    #3
    muletide
    Registered Users Posts: 1,506 ✭✭✭muletide


    They are not taking over the entire KFOR they are taking over Multi National Task Force Centre MNTF(C). This comprises Irish,Swedes,Finns,Czechs and Slovaks and is approximatly Brigade strength. There are four other Brigades in KFOR which they will have no control over, Yanks, French, Italian and Danes

    The total strength of the MNTF(C) is approx 3,000 so I am sure they will be able to handle this


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