IRELAND: The Government's commitment to reaching the UN target of allocating 0.7 per cent of Gross National Product to Third World aid by 2007 still stood and could only be altered by the Cabinet, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said in Dublin last night.
"The commitment in relation to reaching 0.7 per cent by 2007 is still extant, it's still in place and can't be changed unless there is a Cabinet decision," Mr Dermot Ahern told reporters in Iveagh House.
"Obviously going into the Estimates over the coming weeks, running up to the Budget in December, we will be putting our best foot forward as a Department in order to get as much as we can." He continued: "We will be looking for a planned multi-annual basis, so that we can indicate quite clearly to the general public and those people who are interested in this issue that . . . we have a plan to reach 0.7 per cent as soon as possible, preferably, obviously, 2007 but, if that's not possible, over a timescale that would be subsequently agreed. But as I said, at the moment that particular time-date still stands."
Mr Ahern was speaking at a joint news conference with the UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, who said he was "reassured" by the Minister's statement and noted his public commitment on Thursday at the Forum on Europe to achieving the UN target.
"The contribution Ireland has made is important and I would urge other countries to follow suit. If we are going to meet the Millennium Development Goals we need additional resources, additional funding for development," Mr Annan said.
The two men had been asked to comment on an open letter to the Taoiseach from the rock stars Bob Geldof and Bono and the former president and UN human rights chief, Mrs Mary Robinson, who said they were "deeply disturbed" at recent reports that the 2007 target-date would not be met.
A Government spokesman said earlier the letter would be brought to the attention of the Taoiseach, who was returning last night from a trip to Vietnam, Singapore and Bahrain.
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said in the Dáil this week the Government "has not reneged on the target and it has made no decision to that effect". However, she added: "We acknowledge, given our current position, that it will be difficult to reach the set target by 2007, but the Government must sign on for multi-annual funding that is clear in this particular area. That is what I want to see."
Earlier yesterday, Mr Annan visited McKee Barracks to meet troops of the 92nd Infantry Battalion, who are preparing to deploy to Liberia as part of the UN mission there.
He discussed peacekeeping operations by live video link to Monrovia with Lieut Col Tom Behan, commander of the 91st Infantry Battalion, which is to be replaced next month.
It is understood that the President, Mrs McAleese, will visit the Irish troops in Liberia shortly before Christmas.
The Secretary-General was met by the Chief-of-Staff, Lieut Gen Jim Sreenan, Maj Gen Seán Brennan, Maj Gen Dermot Earley, Brig Gen Gerry McNamara and Comdt Dorothy Donnelly. He reviewed a guard of honour from the Fifth Infantry Battalion and inspected vehicles and equipment used in peace-support operations, including bomb disposal and mine clearance.
Addressing the soldiers as "my fellow peacekeepers", Mr Annan said: "Ireland is one of the world's most steadfast contributors to UN peacekeeping. Thousands of Irish personnel have served over the years. Eighty-five of your nationals and compatriots have made the ultimate sacrifice and, today, nearly 500 troops and police personnel from Ireland are doing their part to promote peace in Africa, Europe and the Middle East."
Noting that Ireland was "one of the few industrialised states to deploy military units to sub-Saharan Africa", he continued: "You have played a key role, especially during your recent presidency of the European Union in promoting co-operation between the EU and the UN in crisis management, in particular the possible use of EU battlegroups to support UN peacekeeping operations."