The Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea T.D., reviewed the 41 Inf Gp yesterday in Cathal Brugha Bks. Bound for peacekeeping duties in Kfor, the 239 strong contingent will take over operational duties from the 40 Inf Gp on October 20. Commanded by Lt Col Brendan McAndrew, troops are mainly drawn from Dublin units however there are personnel from all over the Defence Forces. 67 are travelling overseas for the first time.
Irish troops have been serving with Kfor since the end of the conflict in 1999. On February 17 2008, the Kosovo assembly declared itself an independent republic. Since then the security situation has continued to improve. At present there are plans to scale down Kfor. Provided the security situation remains stable, Kfor will move to a ‘deterrent presence’. This will be implemented gradually starting early next year. “This move to a deterrent presence is an important development in the evolution of the Kfor mission,” said the Minister for Defence, “Ireland recognises the important contribution which Kfor is making to peace and stability in the Balkans and will, within available resources, continue to support the mission in this transition.”
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