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Irish troops are to remain in Kosovo and Afghanistan after the Cabinet signed off on the move today.

Almost 240 troops stationed in the Balkan state will stay for another year while the seven in Afghanistan will remain for a further period to be determined by Defence Minister Willie O’Dea.

Ireland has participated in the UN-authorised mission in Kosovo (KFor) since August 1999.

“Ireland shares and supports the determination of the international community, through its presence in Kosovo, to help build a safe and secure Kosovo, with guarantees for the protection of the rights of all communities and their members," Mr O’Dea said.

“The security situation in the Irish area of responsibility is improving and it is currently described as stable with the threat of attacks on KFor personnel assessed as low.”

Ireland has been involved in the UN-authorised International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan since July 2002.

“The seven members of the Defence Forces that are operating with ISAF, are in staff appointments in ISAF HQ in Kabul,” Mr O’Dea said.

“They are generally situated within the ISAF compound, and are therefore subject to enhanced security.

“The situation on the ground will continue to be the subject of on-going risk assessment.”