Afghanistan's Taliban regime brought the overnight air strikes on itself by failing to hand over Osama bin Laden, Minster for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen said today.
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Mr Cowen said Ireland supported the "multi-faceted" action intended to take out key Taliban military installations.
"This was something that was avoidable, were they prepared to comply with the requirements of the international community," he said.
"If the Taliban regime, who have been in clear defiance of the UN resolutions for the past two years, wanted to avoid any prospect of military operations having to be taken in the first place, they would comply with the international community and hand over Osama bin Laden and his associates," Mr Cowen said.
The UN and the EU are to hold separate crisis meetings today to discuss the latest developments in the international campaign against terror.
Last night, Mr Cowen called a special meeting of the United Nations security council in New York following the US attacks on Afghanistan.
The meeting was called at the request of the US following talks with US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell. It will take place at 5.00 p.m. New York time and be chaired by Irish ambassador to the UN Mr Richard Ryan.
Mr Cowen will later today meet with fellow European foreign ministers - a previously scheduled meeting - to discuss yesterday's attacks on Afghanistan and consider future options for the government of Afghanistan.
The Middle East peace process, which many EU leaders regard as key in removing support in Arab and Muslim countries for extremist groups, will also be discussed.