100 Irish troops from Ireland’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) were heavily involved in the security operation surrounding the transportation of Charles Taylor from the International Court in Freetown to The Hague this morning. The troops from the 95th Infantry Battalion based in Monrovia, Liberia, deployed to Freetown by Air and Land and secured and held the airport from 6pm on Monday evening to 10am this morning. Armoured Personnel Carriers and Armoured Cars supported the troops. Col Paul Pakenham from Dublin, the Chief Operations Officer with the United Nations Force in Liberia, personally took charge of the operation to transport Charles Taylor from the court to the airport.
 
"I want to congratulate Colonel Paul Pakenham and the Irish troops involved in this operation.  They are a source of great pride for this country on the world stage for the effective peacekeeping work they have done in supporting stabilization in Liberia since 2003 and in protecting the local population.  Their significant contribution to the successful transfer of Charles Taylor to The Hague this morning means he can now stand trial for war crimes and can be made accountable for the horrendous pain and suffering he inflicted in the region and imposed on innocent people.  I hope his capture and trial goes some way to ease the pain of those who suffered or lost loved ones through his actions," stated Minister O’Dea.

"During my visit to Liberia in March I met with Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who paid tribute to the Irish peacekeeping troops serving there.  She asked me to convey her thanks and appreciation to the Irish Government on her behalf for Ireland's significant contribution and role in keeping peace in Liberia," concluded Minister O’Dea.