Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Canadian Parliament Votes Against Support for Bush' Missile Defense Program

Janey · 02-24-2005, 09:52 AM

at the CBC site:

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ada050224.html

It may not be an easy decision, but then, when you have to contend with the American gov't, no decisions are easy.. they are they elephant to our mice...

!~~~~~~~~~

OTTAWA - Canada has said no to the U.S. missile defence program, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Thursday.

INDEPTH: Ballistic missile defence

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew in the Commons, Thursday.
The prime minister said the decision was made following extensive discussions with Foreign Affairs and National Defence.

"Let me be clear: we respect the right of the United States to defend itself and its people," said Martin.

"Indeed, we will continue to work in partnership with our southern neighbours on the common defence of North America and on continental security."

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew told the House of Commons about the prime minister's decision, which Pettigrew said was based on policy, and not emotion.

Pettigrew said he informed U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of Canada's decision on Tuesday during NATO meetings in Brussels.

"Of course, the U.S. is disappointed. They recognize and respect our decision," said Pettigrew.

NDP member of Parliament Alexa McDonough praised the decision.

Canada's new ambassador to Washington, Frank McKenna, said earlier this week that Canada is already taking part in the program through Norad.

And the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, said Americans don't understand why Canada doesn't want to be responsible for its own sovereignty on the issue.

In the months leading up to the decision, Martin had repeatedly said he believed Canada should be at the table when it comes to any discussion of the defence of North America.

02-24-2005, 09:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Janey Junkie Location: Toronto	at the CBC site: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ada050224.html It may not be an easy decision, but then, when you have to contend with the American gov't, no decisions are easy.. they are they elephant to our mice... !~~~~~~~~~ OTTAWA - Canada has said no to the U.S. missile defence program, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Thursday. INDEPTH: Ballistic missile defence Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew in the Commons, Thursday. The prime minister said the decision was made following extensive discussions with Foreign Affairs and National Defence. "Let me be clear: we respect the right of the United States to defend itself and its people," said Martin. "Indeed, we will continue to work in partnership with our southern neighbours on the common defence of North America and on continental security." Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew told the House of Commons about the prime minister's decision, which Pettigrew said was based on policy, and not emotion. Pettigrew said he informed U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of Canada's decision on Tuesday during NATO meetings in Brussels. "Of course, the U.S. is disappointed. They recognize and respect our decision," said Pettigrew. NDP member of Parliament Alexa McDonough praised the decision. Canada's new ambassador to Washington, Frank McKenna, said earlier this week that Canada is already taking part in the program through Norad. And the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, said Americans don't understand why Canada doesn't want to be responsible for its own sovereignty on the issue. In the months leading up to the decision, Martin had repeatedly said he believed Canada should be at the table when it comes to any discussion of the defence of North America.