Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris will honor Private Sean Rooney during his Lebanon visit. Rooney, a peacekeeper killed in 2022, will be a focal point as Harris addresses the lack of progress in his case. The visit includes discussions with current peacekeepers and announcements regarding community project funding.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, will honor the memory of Irish peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney during his upcoming trip to Lebanon. Private Rooney tragically lost his life while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) on December 14, 2022, at the age of 24, hailing from County Donegal. Harriss’s visit aims to underscore the Irish government’s frustrations regarding the lack of progress in Rooney’s case.
During a series of political meetings in Lebanon, Mr. Harris plans to express the Irish government’s concerns regarding the continued delays in the trial concerning Private Rooney’s killing. The next court hearing is expected to occur in Beirut in September, following another postponement in February. Mr. Harris will also connect with Irish peacekeepers currently stationed in the country to express gratitude for their service.
Additionally, the Deputy Premier intends to emphasize the necessity for accountability and justice for the Rooney family. Currently, there are 339 Defence Forces personnel serving with the 125th Infantry Battalion stationed at Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon. Furthermore, Mr. Harris is anticipated to announce increased funding for local community initiatives during his visit to support the region’s development.
In summary, Simon Harris’s visit to Lebanon highlights the memory of Private Sean Rooney, as well as the ongoing quest for justice in his case. The Deputy Prime Minister’s efforts will focus on expressing the Irish government’s concerns about the slow progress in the trial, thanking the Defence Forces for their commitment, and increasing funding for community projects in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
