DECEMBER 2007

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/1109/breaking46.htm

IRISH TIMES

Last Updated: 09/11/2007 14:27

Advice sought on Kosovo force

The Government is seeking legal advice on whether Irish troops can continue peacekeeping duties in Kosovo if the state declares independence, it emerged today.

Voters are to go to the polls in the coming weeks and speculation is mounting leaders are planning a formal split from Serbia.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, who is currently touring the Balkans region, said the rules on Irish peacekeepers was very strict. "We are looking at this issue, as we speak there's a couple of scenarios that may happen after the 10th of December," the minister said.

"From a legal point of view we have to find out whether or not we have the capabilities to continue. "In principle we would like to continue but it is something we have to look at to ensure the legal basis is there.

"We will be liaising with the Attorney General depending what happens after the 10th of December. We have very strict conditions over which we can participate abroad. They are laid down with the will of the people."

Independence for Kosovo is supported by Europe and the US but is resisted by Serbia and Russia. Mr Ahern said Ireland would adhere to any UN mandate but the question remained whether peacekeeping troops can continue to operate in Kosovo after independence.

Irish troops joined the peacekeeping force in 1999 and around 300 troops are based there. The minister has spent the last four days touring Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo meeting heads of state and Irish representatives in the region.