Canada not excluded from Iraq business

cnanda.com ^ | December 11, 2003

[Leroy S. Mort]

OTTAWA -- U.S. President George W. Bush is grateful for help in the war on terrorism and is ''working'' to include Canada in hefty contracts to help rebuild Iraq, he said in a farewell phone call to retiring Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

''He thanked me for what we're doing in Afghanistan and for the offer of money in the reconstruction of Iraq,'' Chretien told a news conference Thursday.

''As for the news in the newspapers stating that Canada would be excluded from economic activities in Iraq, the president assured me that this was not the case, and that he would be taking action,'' Chretien said. ''And so I thanked him.

''We are still good friends.''

The United States announced this week that countries which did not support the U.S.-led war in Iraq last spring, including Canada, would not be allowed to bid on reconstruction contracts worth $18 billion.

But Chretien said Bush called Thursday and, ''he was telling me basically not to worry.''

The prime minister, who retires Friday, received the call before 8 a.m. at 24 Sussex Dr.

The president's exact words on the issue were: ''We are working to rectify the situation,'' said Chretien spokesman Stephen Hogue.

Bush's comments to Chretien seemed to fly in the face of what he was saying at home.

He told reporters in Washington on Thursday that countries which sent troops to Iraq should share in the American-financed reconstruction projects while other nations are shut out.

''What I'm saying is, in the expenditure of the taxpayers' money . . . the U.S. people, the taxpayers, understand why it makes sense for countries that risked lives to participate in the contracts in Iraq. It's very simple. Our people risked their lives, friendly coalition folks risked their lives and therefore the contracting is going to reflect that.''

Presidential spokesman Scott McLellan later said: ''We'll be glad to discuss the issue with you,'' when asked about Canada's status.

Incoming prime minister Paul Martin said Wednesday that he couldn't fathom the U.S. move to shun its northern neighbour, especially after Canada has pledged nearly $300 million for Iraq reconstruction.

Canadian troops in Afghanistan are also ''carrying a very, very heavy load'' in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, Martin said.

He said he would raise the matter with the U.S. ambassador.

Deputy Prime Minister John Manley suggested Canada may cut aid to Iraq in response to the U.S. snub.

Chretien and Bush talked for about 10 minutes Thursday, said Chretien spokeswoman Thoren Hudyma.

Bush congratulated Chretien ''on your very, very distinguished and honourable career,'' Hudyma said, quoting the president.

Chretien was ''very moved,'' she said.

''The prime minister said to Bush: 'You know we've had a few disagreements in the past, but relations between our two countries have never been better.''

Hudyma described the chat as very warm and cordial.

The two leaders have never formed the kind of bond Chretien enjoyed with former U.S. president Bill Clinton.

There was an infamous incident just over a year ago when former Chretien press aide Francoise Ducros called Bush ''a moron.'' She lost her job after Chretien's attempts to defend her were widely mocked in the U.S. media.

[Leroy S. Mort]

''As for the news in the newspapers stating that Canada would be excluded from economic activities in Iraq, the president assured me that this was not the case, and that he would be taking action,'' Chretien said.

Jean, ole buddy, we're gonna give y'all the exclusive hockey equipment concession in Baghdad.

[cake_crumb]

''We are still good friends.''

Liar. you've never been friends, good or otherwise. He's a moron, remember Jean??

[Post Toasties]

Is this a quid pro quo? Get Chretin out and we'll let Canada in? It's fun to imagine that, however unlikely.

[#3Fan]

It makes me sick to see Democrats take the side of the French and Germans on this issue. It's beyond politics, it's as close to treason as it gets.

[sarasmom]

As if I would believe anything Chretien or his stooges said to spin the pointed diplomatic slapdown they just received!

They are not "shut out".They can be sub-contractors.They just dont get to run the operation and screw it up with cost over-runs, union rules and lame excuses.

If he had not been assured of my vote already,this bit of delicious Cowboy diplomacy, would have secured it for George W. Bush in 2004.

Perhaps we will contract with the Canadians to help us secure our mutual border?
Nah, but its the thought that counts....
Right!

[maestro]

Canada needs new "Drug" buyers......outside of it's borders!

Free Trade Only for oligarchs/states......not the poor individual!

Free Trade Socialism Reigns

[dsrtsage]

I think canada got in because Bush modified his conditions from "was not involved in fighting" to "did not sell arms to saddam hussein in the weeks before the war".

[Arpege92]

I think Bush did the right thing. Canadians have troops in Afghanastan and the support of some Canadians is something I will always appreciate!

[ECM]

"Deputy Prime Minister John Manley suggested Canada may cut aid to Iraq in response to the U.S. snub."

Ah, nothing like the smell of petulance in the early evening hours... Good job Canada--snub the Iraqi people because you were snubbed...sounds about right, though.

[cmsgop]

I agree, Canada was there for us and spilled blood in Afghanistan for us.

[jwalsh07]

Canadian blood has been spilled in the Middle East. It is my understanding that they have also offered, if not given, a couple of hundred million toward the rebuilding of Iraq. Out of respect for the Canadians in uniform, I have no problem with them bidding on contracts.

As for Cretien, screw him and his marxist pals.

[SB00]

If Bush really said this, then why didn't Crouton refuse to accept the offer of contracts because they were a result of a war he didn't believe in?

[Michael81Dus]

So Germany must be in, too!?

[americanbychoice]

I agree with the commentary in the Bild last night. "Stop whining"
Remember the Madrid conference 2 weeks ago? Germany and France made it known that they will not contribute one cent toward this unjust war.
Why the outrage when Bush declares that not one cent of US taxpayer money will be given to non-supporters?

[RinaseaofDs]

No, they were included because it is clear that GWB is going wobbly.

His dad had Thatcher, GWB has nobody to reinforce his spine. Excluding Canada was the right thing to do, and even then symbolic - they could have been hired by primary contractors as subs.

[Michael81Dus]

Congratulations, I just heard that the constitution is not going to be approved this year. Negotiations will not end, but they´re delayed until next year.

[americanbychoice]

Congratulations? Hardly, Just because I believe the EU constitution is dangerous? I actually could care less.Exept I hate to see Europe go down the wrong path again and again, never learning anything from their mistkes.

[cynicom]

Bush gave him nothing. Let the Canucks sweep up in Iraq after the work is done.

[Terabitten]

Is this a quid pro quo? Get Chretin out and we'll let Canada in?

I can't help but think of the Iranian hostage crisis: release the hostages the day Reagan is inaugurated (IIRC it was on President Reagan's inauguration). I wonder if we'll do more or less the same thing - let the Canadians join in the day Chretien goes out of office.

Just a thought.

[Michael81Dus]

The German parliament yesterday disapproved a proposal that God should be mentioned in the constitution with the votes of the Red-Greens against the CDU/CSU/FDP.