Martin renews Ireland’s peace commitment to Georgia

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has confirmed during a visit to Georgia that Ireland will continue to participate in the EU peace monitoring mission to the region over the next 12 months.

Minister Martin made the commitment as he met his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili, at the start of a two day visit during he will also see areas affected by last August’s war.

Ireland has four observers involved in the mission which was established in the wake of the conflict.

Minister Martin said:

“Ireland fully supported the EU plan which helped bring about an end to the fighting. I believe the European Union has played an extremely positive role in efforts to bring about conflict resolution in Georgia.”

“I am proud that Ireland is contributing to the EU monitoring mission, which is playing a vital role in observing the ceasefire. I am also pleased to be able to confirm that Ireland intends to continue to make experienced personnel available to the mission in 2009.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs will meet the Irish peace monitors during his visit and will also see Irish supported projects which are assisting tens of thousands of people forced their homes during the war in August.

ENDS.
Press Office
20th November 2008.