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Minister O'Dea Congratulates the Irish UNMIL troops involved in Transporting  Charles Taylor to the Special Court in Sierra Leone.

Wed 29th March 2006

More than 100 Troops from Ireland's Quick Reaction Force currently serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) were responsible for securing and transferring the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor to the Special Court in Sierra Leone.

Last November, the UN Security Council extended UNMIL’s mandate to include the apprehension, detention and transfer to the Special Court for Sierra Leone of the former Liberian President, Charles Taylor, in the event of his return to Liberia. Dail approval was given for this UN mandate extension on December 15th 2005.

A total of 120 Irish troops were involved in the operation. Their mission began at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Monrovia where Charles Taylor was flown from Nigeria, where he was in exile. Members of the QRF were then tasked with securing and escorting Charles Taylor on his transfer from Monrovia to the Special Court in Sierra Leone by helicopter.

"During my visit to Liberia two weeks ago 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," stated Minister O’Dea.

"I want to congratulate 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 stabilisation in Liberia and in protecting the local population. I spoke this evening with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Jim Sreenan who fully briefed me on the operation. I asked him to convey my personal congratulations and thanks to the local Commanding Officer and troops involved. Their contribution to the successful transfer of Charles Taylor to the Special Court in Freetown 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," concluded Minister O’Dea.

ENDS.


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