US Attorney General warns Ireland ‘must stay vigilant against terror’

Terrorist threat level has not diminished

Larger Text

Print

E-mail

10 Comments

US Attorney General Eric Holder

Tweet

The ongoing threat of terrorist attacks means that the need for vigilance and cooperation between the US and Ireland has never been greater, US Attorney General Eric Holder said on a visit to Dublin yesterday.

Speaking before the Institute of International and European Affairs, where his remarks were reported by the Irish Times, Holder said that six out of almost 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks were Irish citizens, and hundreds more were of Irish descent.

'Even though our efforts to thwart attacks, to investigate potential plots, and to vigorously prosecute terrorists have met with increasing success over the years, the need to remain vigilant – and to face these threats together – has never been more apparent.

'And we can all be encouraged – and proud – that the United States and Ireland have established a strong record of cooperation in carrying out this critical work.'

Holder added that in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, 'there were times when, in an attempt to respond to terror threats, our government veered off course, and failed to live up to our most sacred principles. This administration has worked vigorously, and tirelessly, to turn the page on past mistakes and missteps.

'In fact, among the very first actions that President Obama took two-and-a-half years ago was directing government leaders, not only to redouble our focus on preventing and combatting terror threats, but also to return to an era in which the costs and benefits of every action taken in the name of national security were carefully weighed.

'He called us to work in close consultation with our allies to rebuild the bonds of trust that had been frayed, and to renew and reaffirm America’s commitment to the rule of law and to the ideals that have strengthened our nation and sustained our most cherished international partnerships.'
_____________

Read More:
Irish groups angry over British subpoenas for Boston College IRA interview records

‘Definitive account of 9/11’ launched in Ireland

Time to end gay deportations

_____________

In a departure from the previous administration Holder said the US Justice Department which he heads has made 'critical revisions to detention and interrogation policies, renounced the use of torture, and strengthened our ability to bring terrorists to justice in our civilian courts.

'And despite the internal obstacles we have been forced to meet, we are continuing to work, and to engage the help of international partners, to advance efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility.'

Print

E-mail

Tweet