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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., today congratulated Major General Michael Beary on his appointment by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to serve as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL).

In extending congratulations Minister Flanagan commented:

“I warmly welcome the appointment this week of Major General Beary as Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL. This appointment is a tribute to Major General Beary’s leadership and to the contribution that Irish peacekeepers have made to UNIFIL. This week, following the Commemoration Ceremony at Grangegorman Military Ceremony, I had an opportunity to discuss this appointment with Major General Beary. I know he will carry out his new duties with great distinction.

“I had the opportunity last year to visit Irish troops deployed in UNIFIL and to see at first hand the vital work that they and the whole UNIFIL mission carry out. In particular, I was struck by the excellent relationships the Irish troops had developed with the local communities and the high regard in which they are held by their fellow soldiers at this international mission. I know that Major General Beary’s appointment will mean a great deal to the Irish men and women serving in south Lebanon and to those who have previously served in this region where Ireland has a long and proud record of service.

“Indeed, Irish men and women have served with great distinction in UN peacekeeping missions and have made a huge contribution to promoting international peace and stability and to enhancing Ireland’s international reputation. Participation in such missions will remain a key element of Ireland’s foreign policy.”

“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Portolano of Italy, for his leadership of this vital peacekeeping mission.”

ENDS