Troops expected in Kosovo

An advance party of two Defence Forces officers and an ambassador have arrived in Kosovo to prepare the ground for the contingent of troops expected to participate in the international observer force, writes Jim Cusack, Security Correspondent. The ambassador, Mr Brendan McMahon, Col Jim Saunderson and Cmdt John White are understood to have arrived in Serbia on Wednesday. They will be making preparations for the Irish military contingent which is expected to consist of about 30 soldiers, all of whom will have had experience as observers and peacekeepers with the United Nations and other international organisations. The contingent will be part of a 1,500-strong observer force under the control of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe which is to oversee the withdrawal of Serbian forces.