Martin lashes back

Toronto Sun ^ | 2003-12-11 | Maria McClintock

[Lorenb420]

OTTAWA -- Prime minister-designate Paul Martin says it's difficult to "fathom" why Canada is one of the countries the United States is shutting out of $18.6-billion contracts for the reconstruction of Iraq. And Martin says he plans to put Canada's case to U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci when he speaks to him tomorrow.

"I find it really difficult to fathom. First of all, Canada is putting close to $300-million in terms of the reconstruction of Iraq. We have troops in Afghanistan and carrying a very, very heavy load in that country (on the war on terrorism)," Martin said, who officially takes over from Prime Minister Jean Chretien tomorrow.

"I understand the importance of these kinds of contracts but this shouldn't be just about who gets contracts. It ought to be about what is best thing for the people of Iraq and how are we going to participate in that."

DEFENDED DECISION

Canada refused to answer the U.S. call to send troops to participate in the war in Iraq, but has committed to being part of the reconstruction.

Washington defended its decision to back a Pentagon policy that bars companies from countries that opposed the Iraq war from bidding on the 26 lucrative reconstruction contracts.

Other countries also affected by the Pentagon's new policy include France, Germany and Russia.

"Prime contracts for reconstruction funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars should to to the Iraqi people and those countries who are working with the United States on the difficult task of helping to build a free, democratic and prosperous Iraq," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

Germany called their snub "unacceptable", France questioned whether it was legal and Russia threatened that it might consider taking a harder line on restructuring Iraqi debt as Washington has been seeking.

HUGE SUFFERING

But Martin said all countries have a role to play in helping rebuild the war-torn country.

"What is most important is, in fact, the reconstruction of Iraq. There's been a huge amount of suffering going on there, and I think it is the responsibility every country to participate in developing it," Martin said.

"Canada has demonstrated by its contribution that we want to participate in that."

[Moose4]

Prime minister-designate Paul Martin says it's difficult to "fathom" why Canada is one of the countries the United States is shutting out of $18.6-billion contracts for the reconstruction of Iraq.

Ask your boss The Cretin. Maybe he can figure it out.

}:-)4

[Puppage]

We have troops in Afghanistan

Well, we're taliking about IRAQ here, Mr. Martin now, aren't we?

[thoughtomator]

This is about what is best for Iraq - anyone who couldn't see the obvious virtue of taking out Saddam Hussein is absolutely unworthy of being trusted to operate in the country.

Come on, we all know that if we let the French in there, they will turn right around and use their presence to backstab us and sell weapons to the regime holdouts and foreign jihadis.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..Prime minister-designate Paul Martin says it's difficult to "fathom" why Canada is one of the countries the United States is shutting out...

...because we expect depraved dilettantes like the French to wiggle out of their responsibilities, but it's quite a different story when one of our own team opts to stay on the bench, when needed on the field. That's why.

[scotsman1]

Canada should NOT be excluded from Iraq,they have at least conributed to Afghanistan and the help in rebuilding Iraq.......they should not be treated the same as the French(especially)or Germans.

[SamAdams76]

Well it would be a slap in the face to the German people, not to mention the Jews, if in 1945, contracts were handed out to appeasers of Hitler and the Nazi regime to rebuild war-torn Germany. I can see why the U.S. is being careful not to include the friends and appeasers of the Iraqi butcher, Saddam Hussein, in the rebuilding of Iraq.

[Diogenesis]

[ClaireSolt]

How much consideration should their $300,000 buy, anyway?
Cheapskates!

[Arpege92]

As much as I don't like the Canadian government right now, I don't think they should be kept out either. They have contributed in Afghanastan and a great many of their citizens supported our efforts in Iraq.

Make peace with Canada and tell the French and the Germans to PI$$ OFF!!!!

[self_evident]

They haven't helped rebuild Iraq. That's the point.

[self_evident]

I suppose there are a few Libyan citizens that supported Iraq as well. Shouldn't we let them in also?

[self_evident]

Maybe you don't understand I guess. These are the US taxpayer funds they don't have access. Everyone (even the French) has access to the Internation donar funds.

[samtheman]

We have troops in Afghanistan

So bid on contracts in Afghanistan.

[Dallas59]

Me thinks, they would like a place to "dump" thier already dangerous populations of Muslims..."ATTENTION CANADIAN MUSLIMS! Like to go back were you came from?......"

[Arpege92]

"I suppose there are a few Libyan citizens that supported Iraq as well. Shouldn't we let them in also?"

Give me a break here. What I'm saying is that quite a few Canadian's were out on the streets marching in support of us. A great many of Canada's military personel wanted to fight along side with us but were not allowed. I didn't see any of this support coming from France or Germany.

How mad do you think the French and Germans would get if they saw Canada getting in on the action in re-building Iraq. I'd say pretty mad....and that would definately make my day!!!

[Agnes Heep]

"And who will help me eat the bread?"

[I still care]

Didn't we bomb a bunch of Canadian soldiers by accident in Afghanistan? I don't think they should get the same treatment as France.

However, who knows what is going on at some of these high level discussions. I would bet you anything that most of what is happening in this situation is not being published. Back room deals type of thing here.

[self_evident]

I'll ABSOLUTELY support contracts going to those that protested in support of the US. The rest of them can keep their fingers out of our pockets. How is the for a compromise?

[over3Owithabrain]

I think this was intended as a slap at Chretien and a way to get off to a good start for Martin. Martin will lobby the US and we will acquiesce, thereby making him look great and Chretien like the dunce that he is. Relations w/Canada will be as strong as ever then.