Secretary-General Hails Ireland’s Contributions to United Nations Peacekeeping on Sixtieth Anniversary of Unbroken Service

(Delayed for technical reasons.)

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message on the sixtieth anniversary of unbroken Irish United Nations peacekeeping service, in Dublin on 24 June:

I am pleased to address you today as you mark your country’s long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping.

For over 60 years, Ireland has deployed both military and police personnel to many of our operations.  And your country holds key leadership positions in some of our missions.  These include the Head of Mission and Force Commander in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Chief of Staff in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

But, Ireland’s valuable contributions to United Nations peacekeeping go well beyond the deployment of uniformed personnel.  Your Government has shown great leadership and support to the development of peacekeeping policy and doctrine.

I commend Ireland’s steadfast commitment to peace and security.

And I thank you for your partnership.