(Canadian PM) Chrétien tells U.S. not to go it alone

CBC News ^ | 2.13.03

[mhking]

Chrétien tells U.S. not to go it alone
Last Updated Thu, 13 Feb 2003 22:16:11

PM Jean Chrétien in Chicago

CHICAGO - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made a major foreign policy speech in Chicago on Thursday evening, and he used the occasion to tell the United States that when it comes to dealing with Iraq it is better served "by acting through the United Nations."

The speech before the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations came just hours before chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix is scheduled to deliver another report to the UN Security Council.

Chrétien took pains to outline the long and close ties between the two countries before moving on to the subject of a possible war with Iraq.

Chrétien appeared to be moving Canada closer to the views of several European nations that have been asking the United States to give the UN weapons inspectors more time. "Today's United Nations needs a committed United States, and I would argue that the world needs an effective United Nations," he said.

The prime minister told his American audience that in spite of U.S. frustration with the UN "the long-term interests of the United States will be better served by acting through the United Nations, than by acting alone."

Acting without international support, said Chrétien, could make any war with Iraq a war of East versus West, or the strong versus the weak.

"It is imperative to avoid the perception of a 'clash of civilizations.' Maximum use of the United Nations will minimize that risk."

Chrétien said decisions made now will have "profound consequences for the future."

The Canadian government has been under pressure to make a firm decision on whether it will go to war alongside its long-time allies, the U.S. and Britain. Chrétien's speech did not commit Canada one way or the other, but it appears to put Ottawa on the side of those nations urging caution and a second UN resolution.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham says the government sees problems ahead if the U.S. pushes ahead on its own. "I see a destabilized Middle East. I see problems in Indonesia, in India, in Pakistan. These problems might happen even if there is a UN authorized resolution," Graham said earlier in the day in Ottawa.

Deputy Prime Minister John Manley was also clear that Canada will not be pushed into taking sides until after the UN inspectors deliver their report. "It's very hard for us to say definitively this is what Canada's view is going to be when we don't have his (Blix's) report, and I would defend our right to be unclear about it until we've got the facts."

For the Opposition, the question is still whether the government intends to join the U.S. in any military operation in Iraq. "Is it engaged in the Iraq crisis, and if so, how?" asked Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper.

[canuck_conservative]

"How do you say 'stupid bastard' in French?"

Simple. "Jean Chretien".

[Mark Felton]

Include these 2 ARAB countries!!

Bahrain, United Arab Emirates

"# The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became the first Arab states to announce they were sending troops and weapons to defend Kuwait against a possible Iraqi attack." - source CBS news

[Loyalist]

If the parliamentary caucus picked the party leader instead of a convention of instant party members, Chretien would have been long gone by now.

The pompous posturing blatherskite embarrasses the country every time he opens his mouth.

[ChuckSnow5]

"I see a destabilized Middle East."

This is such a frickin cop-out. it's like saying "Sure, the house is on fire! But I'm not going to spray water on it because it could damage the house."

Is he really suggesting the middle east can now be considered "stable"?

[ffusco]

Excellent Question:

To Mock Them. What the pompous and prentious fear the most. Ridicule.

[ChuckSnow5]

Chretien: "Don't go it alone."

Translation: because then I will be revealed for the EuroSocialist that I am.

[goodnesswins]

Next post of the flags, they will be included...thanks.

[FreeCanuckistan]

I talk to a lot of people up here about Iraq. For the most part I hear two stories. One story is pro-USA....and whatever need be done. The other story ranges from waiting for UN approval or/and the USA is warmongering over oil....etc.

Curiously, the demographics of the pro-USA group........tend to be 'established' Canadians. The other side is a motley collection, that PC rules prevent me from identifying. The first group I mentioned is not getting equal representation in Ottawa.

Statements today out of our PM that implore the USA to wait for UN permission are laughable. It shows how much of a sorry investment the Liberals are making in this near-extinct institution. The demise of the UN will be well deserved......and save us Canadians from our real leader........Mr. Kofi himself.

[FreeCanuckistan]

Spread the word.

[FreeCanuckistan]

"Wonder how many Al Qaeda have come across the Canadian border?"

Don't worry.....life is too good here, our plan is to 'spoil-em' into submission.

[uglybiker]

Chrétien tells U.S. not to go it alone

I'm sorry. Did somebody say something?

[graycamel]

PLEASE BOYCOTT EVERYTHING MADE IN THAT SO-CALLED COUNTRY NORTH OF US. WE SHOULDN'T EVEN GO THERE ON VACATION. It is run by left-wing anti-free-speech socialists and block-the-highways-during-strikes union thugs.

[FreeCanuckistan]

"I'm sorry. Did somebody say something?"

No. It was only a fart, please excuse.

[yendu bwam]

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made a major foreign policy speech

An oxymoron...

[yendu bwam]

It is imperative to avoid the perception of a 'clash of civilizations.

No, actually, it's not. This is a war between those who would seek to protect their citizens from terrorist annihilation of innocents, and those who would undertake to bring that about. That IS a civilizational clash - of the first order.

[yendu bwam]

It's very hard for us to say definitively this is what Canada's view is going to be

We know, we know...

[yendu bwam]

For the Opposition, the question is still whether the government intends to join the U.S. in any military operation in Iraq. "Is it engaged in the Iraq crisis, and if so, how?" asked Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper.

Hard to figure out, isn't it, Stephen?

[goldstategop]

Canada? I think Jean Chretien advertised more for http://www.canadadry in his Chicago address than he did in stating where Canada stands on the crucial issue of making the world safe for democracy in the 21st century.

[goldstategop]

Sorry that should be http://www.canadadry.com. Tastes dry and its less filling!