Irish troops were 'great assets' to UN - Annan

The secretary general of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, visited McKee Barracks in Dublin today where he addressed troops due to leave Ireland for peacekeeping duty in Liberia.

Addressing the 92nd Infantry Battalion, Mr Annan thanked Ireland for its commitment to United Nations peacekeeping. He said Ireland was one of the world's most steadfast contributors to the United Nations and thanked those who had served over the years.

The secretary general told the troops that Ireland's credibility and the skill of Irish troops had been "great assets" in the efforts of the United Nations in crisis management.

He said Ireland's presidency of the EU helped to promote co-operation and referred to the possible use of EU "battlegroups" to support UN peacekeeping operations.

Mr Annan said the UN faced greater challenges and said new requirements would stretch the system to the limit.

He said an additional 30,000 troops to supplement the existing force of 50,000 was needed, with troops required for new operations in Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Haiti and Burundi. The UN is also planning for a substantial mission in Sudan.

Wishing luck to the troops headed to Liberia, he called on other countries to follow Ireland's example.

Mr Annan said he was "greatly encouraged" by the troops and said he wanted to thank them again for "all you are doing to make the world a safer place". He also gave particular mention to the 85 Irish soldiers who have died while on peacekeeping duty.

Earlier, Mr Annan had spoken by video link to Lieutenant Colonel Tom Behan who heads the Irish contingent of troops from the 91st Infantry Division serving in Liberia.