Haass says attacks on US planes 'outrageous'

Recent attacks on US military planes refueling at Shannon Airport were today described as "outrageous" by Mr Richard Haass, US President George Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland in Dublin.

"Let me simply say that, speaking as an American, not as an official, these attacks are outrageous. I come from a society which is one of the world's strongest democracies, as is this country.

Mr Haass said there was room within a democratic society for free expression of dissent but said attacks in which US military aircraft were damaged were not about dissent.

"This is not about dissent. This is about violent illegal actions . . . There is every place in a democracy to argue these things out peacefully," he said.

Government support for the US stance on disarming Iraq, including access to Shannon Airport was "extremely valued by the US", according to Mr Haass.

"It [Shannon Airport] is one of the most effective and efficient ways that we know of that we can move men and materials and supplies to a potential theatre.

"We think this movement of men and material is important. It is one of the ways to persuade Saddam that, not just the US, but the international community is serious."

Mr Haass said he did not think UN weapons inspectors would have returned to Iraq without a large military force gathering on Iraq's border.

Security at Shannon Airport was part of his discussion today with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen. After being informed the Government will deploy 120 soldiers at the airport from tomorrow, Mr Haass said he appreciated the steps being taken.

At his meeting with Mr Cowen, the US Special Adviser emphasised just how important the security and safety of US personnel and equipment at Shannon Airport was for the US.