Publication of Carter's letter
The Taoiseach declined to publish private correspondence, but said Carter’s reply was positive and condemned attacks on UNIFIL and the killing of Irish soldiers.
asked the Taoiseach if he will now publish the reply he has received from President Carter to his letter on the Middle East conflict.
Comment on this
It would not be appropriate to release the text of private correspondence from a head of Government. However, as I said in this House last Wednesday, the terms of President Carter's reply were positive and encouraging.
The President expressed his deep concern about the attacks on UNIFIL and stated specifically:
"I was shocked by the murder in cold blood of two Irish soldiers",
which he further described as "an act of barbarism". The letter recounts US efforts to bring improvement to the situation in Southern Lebanon and to make it possible for UNIFIL to fulfil its mandate. The President agreed with my view of the vital importance of UNIFIL and said he welcomed
"the courageous decision of your Government to maintain Irish participation".
The President's letter also expressed his desire to continue close co-operation with us to resolve the difficult problems facing Southern Lebabon.