Tánaiste meets Lebanese Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs in Beirut
-
From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 26 March 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Simon Harris highlights case of Private Sean Rooney, who was killed in 2022
The Tánaiste Simon Harris today (26 March) met the Lebanese Minister for Defence, Mr Michel Menassah, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Yousseff Rajji, during his visit to Lebanon, where he is also visiting members of the 125th Infantry Battalion, who are serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The Tánaiste congratulated both ministers on their recent appointments, following the formation of a new Lebanese Government last month, which ended a two-year deadlock.
Expressing his deep concern about the security situation in southern Lebanon, Mr Harris noted that:
“the Irish Defence Forces have been proud contributors to UNIFIL for over 40 years and that “Irish troops have formed deep ties with the Lebanese Armed Forces and local communities.”
Speaking following the meetings with his Lebanese counterparts, the Tánaiste said:
“I want to reaffirm Ireland’s unwavering commitment to this vital mission and to Lebanon’s security and stability. Ireland remains fully committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is essential for maintaining stability in South Lebanon, preventing hostilities, and supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.”
Private Sean Rooney
In the course of both meetings, the Tánaiste conveyed the government’s:
“deep disappointment and dissatisfaction at the slow progress of the legal proceedings in the matter relating to the death of the Irish peacekeeper, Private Sean Rooney.”
He continued:
“The continued delay in court proceedings, continues to cause deep concern to myself, to the Irish Government, the family of Private Rooney and the Irish people. My government has consistently expressed determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that there is accountability for the death of Private Rooney. Ireland will continue to monitor developments very closely.”
The Tánaiste concluded by acknowledging that there are proceedings now before the Lebanese judicial system and expressed the hope that:
“with a newly established government and court structures in Lebanon, progress will be made in bringing those responsible for death of Private Rooney to justice.”