I write this article as I prepare to leave for the US and my meeting in Washington with the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell. As I do so, I find myself wondering about how much the US will have changed since my last visit.
Nobody who has followed the endless television coverage of the dreadful events of September 11th and their aftermath can be unaware of the deep sense of violation felt by the American people at these savage attacks on their nation. We all watched in sympathy as a people in turn passed through fear, bewilderment, anger and finally to steely resolve. I expect to arrive in a different America from the one I have known; less ebullient, more sombre, but an America determined to right the injustice that has been inflicted upon it.
The message I will bring to America on behalf of the Irish people will be threefold: that we fully share America's grief; that we will join America and others in the long struggle to eradicate global terrorism; and that we must work together to resolve conflict and injustice, and respond to the challenge of poverty and hunger wherever they exist.
Based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ireland recognises the inherent right of the US to defend itself against terrorist attacks, including the right to defend itself against regimes who shelter and protect those carrying out or planning such atrocities.
It is to the credit of President Bush and his administration that they have resisted the temptation to respond precipitously in the face of extreme provocation. Instead, they have demonstrated sensible restraint while they seek to build a strong international coalition for a sustained campaign against global terrorism.
Security Council Resolution 1368 calls on all States to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of the attacks of 11 September and to redouble their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist attacks. The Government has demonstrated Ireland's support for this resolution by indicating our readiness to facilitate the overflight, landing and refuelling of aircraft engaged in pursuit of the resolution. I will confirm this offer to Mr Powell when I meet him.
I know that this offer has caused concern to some. I would emphasise that our offer is appropriate and legal. This offer has no implications for Ireland's traditional policy of neutrality by non-membership of military alliances. And it is, above all, the right thing to do when such a friend has been so grievously attacked.
I will, of course, stress that any resort to military action should be proportionate, measured and focused on the pursuit of justice.
It is the Government's profound hope that those harbouring suspected terrorists will surrender them without the need for force. I am referring to persons such as Osama bin Laden, who has been sheltered by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan for several years in defiance of the demands of the UN Security Council and in spite of sanctions imposed by the Security Council.
Looking to the longer term, the Government is determined that Ireland will play its full part in attempts to eliminate terrorism, through improved security, increased co-operation between police and security services, and by choking off the funding required to finance terrorist organisations. In this regard, the Government has decided to accelerate work on ratifying international anti-terrorism conventions.
We will also be working with our partners on the Security Council to strengthen the obligation on UN member states to co-operate in the fight against terrorism. Ireland will find itself with a particular obligation in this regard as it assumes the presidency of the Security Council next Monday. I will be having detailed discussions on this matter with the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, and the other members of the council when I visit New York later this week.
I will also use the opportunity of my meetings with Colin Powell and Mr Annan to argue that the need for the international community to unite in the face of terror brings with it the opportunity to work together to resolve the many conflicts and injustices which, while they can never, ever, justify the obscene acts of hatred which we witnessed on September 11th, are exploited by the terrorists to further their cause.
I will encourage the US administration to maintain its constructive pressure on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to engage in negotiations. It behoves each and every nation to use its influence in the interest of the furthering peace, stability and reconciliation.
I travel, therefore, in sadness but also in hope. The most poignant moments of my trip will be in New York, when I meet the relatives of those who lost loved ones in the wreckage of the World Trade Centre. Nothing anyone can say will ever adequately explain the madness that struck in New York, or in Washington and Pennsylvania, on 11 September.
All that those who remain can do is to reason our way out of the madness by resolving that we will build a world in which states resolve their differences by peaceful negotiation, stand together in the face of terror and work actively and constructively in pursuit of peace and reconciliation wherever there is conflict.
If we can persuade the entire international community to unite with us in such an approach, we can truly triumph over the terrible evil which erupted on September 11th and lay the foundations for a new era of international peace and security.
Brian Cowen is Minister for Foreign Affairs and, from October 1st, will chair meetings of the UN Security Council