Ireland today pledged its support for a US-led anti-terrorism coalition and said it would also back UN resolutions in aid of the campaign when it assumed the chairmanship of the Security Council next month.
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Minister Cowen
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At the same time, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, said Ireland had been "impressed" by the restraint the United States had shown thus far as it considers military retaliation for the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
"We have been greatly impressed by the resolve of the United States government and its people, but also its restraint, the methodical effort at building an international coalition ... to deal with this phenomenon on international terrorism which must be dealt with comprehensively," Mr Cowen said.
During talks with Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell in Washington, Mr Cowen reaffirmed Ireland's support for the coalition and restated an offer for US military overflights of the country should they be needed to retaliate against the prime suspect in the attack, Saudi militant Osama bin Laden.
Mr Powell said the US was "deeply appreciative" of the offer which also includes landing and refuelling facilities in the event of a response against the Afghanistan-based bin Laden.
"I thanked the minister as well for providing over-flight assistance to United States' efforts," Mr Powell said after expressing his gratitude for the condolences of the Irish people to the more than 6,000 victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
"That is deeply appreciated and a sign of the commitment that they have made," Mr Powell told reporters.
Ireland’s offer has drawn fire from opposition parties who have called for a full Dáil debate and claimed it was against the constitution.
The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern on Monday defended the offer, saying "We have to play our part in being of help," but added: "hopefully these facilities won't be necessary."
In addition to reaffirming Dublin's offer, Mr Cowen said Ireland would use its chairmanship of the UN Security Council to press ahead with any additional resolutions the United States proposed as part of the fight against terrorism.
"We will play our part to ensure that the resolutions of the United Nations are respected and that they are implemented and ... we will work with (the United States) and work with other members of the Security Council to make sure that our chairmanship is a success in that respect," he said.
Ireland assumes the rotating chairmanship of the 15-member council on October 1, taking over from France.
AFP