Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

While there is a significant difference, the Deputy will be aware that the Petersberg Tasks have been expanded to encompass peace enforcement as well as peacekeeping. I understand a comprehensive peace agreement for southern Sudan was signed by the Government of Sudan and the organisation calling itself The People's Liberation Army in Nairobi on 9 January 2005. As a result of the treaty, refugees will return voluntarily and human rights will fall to be protected as people are entitled to live in peace. It is to facilitate this process that UN help has been sought. That looks like a peacekeeping operation, but whether it is peacekeeping or peace enforcement, both categories are covered under the Petersberg Tasks.

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