Establishing peace in Liberia, in tandem with the current UN operations in support of peace in Sierra Leone and the wider Mano River Union region, offers a real and tangible opportunity for the international community to assist in bringing stability to the region as a whole. The Defence Forces have a strong tradition of participation in missions of this nature and Ireland has a particular commitment to Africa, which is evidenced by, among other things, our bilateral aid programme. The Government considers that Ireland, as a long-standing contributor to UN peacekeeping, should participate where possible in suitable peace support operations. The UNMIL operation in Liberia offers a suitable opportunity for such participation.