Vol. 544 No. 5
54 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the implications for international law on the process by which Resolution 1368 invoking Article 51 of Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter was recently invoked during Ireland's Presidency of the Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/01]
Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations charges the Security Council with the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security. Under international law, UN member states have the inherent right to individual or collective self-defence, recognised under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Resolution 1368 recognised this right in accordance with the charter and identified the terrorist attacks perpetrated on 11 September as a threat to international peace and security.
The United States led military action in Afghanistan began on 7 October last. At Ireland's initiative, the Security Council met on 8 October to discuss the action taken by the US and the UK in Afghanistan. The Security Council was briefed by the US and UK on their actions. Council members agreed that the military action taken in Afghanistan is being taken in self-defence. Ireland's position has been steadfast and clear on the war against terrorism; we stand with the US and other UN member states in the global coalition against terrorism. The Government unequivocally supports the action being taken against terrorism within the framework defined by the UN and international law.
