| Friday, 18 January 2008 | |
Dear Mr Ahern, Prime Minister of Ireland The World Lebanese Cultural Union deeply regrets the last attack on the Irish Peacekeepers in Lebanon and hereby kindly ask you to convey our wishes for the Soldiers and their families for a quick recovery. The Lebanese are appreciative of your contribution to UNIFIL and to UNTSO since 1958, extending over a period of 23 years from 1978 till 2001 and again in the past year. We hold Ireland’s commitment to World Peace and to the safeguard of the rights of Nations to live in dignity and pride very dearly. We feel that the recent attack shows very clearly that the perpetrators are aliens to Lebanese thinking and to their appreciation of the Irish role in the South. The Peacekeepers for whom we hold the highest esteem were the perfect Ambassadors to your Country and had gained the respect and friendship of our people in the South through their exemplary conduct and abundant humanity. We condemn the terrorist attack and we thank God that in this instance it did not inflict a more tragic end. This attack on your troops is an attack on Lebanon and we vow to do our utmost with the Lebanese Government to speed up the investigation and bring the perpetrators to Justice sooner rather than later. Our branches around the World and members of our Irish affiliates the Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation have expressed their indignation and urged us to convey their support to the Irish People and Government. Faithfully yours, —————- Letters sent also to : Mr Dermot Ahern , Minister of Foreign Affairs Lt General Dermot Earley, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces |