QualityIsJobOne
03-25-03, 04:54 PM
From www.cbc.ca
US ambassador rebukes Ottawa for lack of support
TORONTO - Some tough words for the Canadian government from U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci. He blasted the Liberal government for its failure to back the United States' war in Iraq.
Cellucci made his statement during a breakfast speech with Toronto's Bay Street business crowd. "There is disappointment in Washington," he said, "that Canada is not supporting us fully."
Cellucci says there is a long relationship between Canada and the U.S., but at the same time there could be some short-term strains as a result of Canada's position.
The ambassador said if there were ever a real threat to Canadian security the U.S, would be there to help. "There is no security threat to Canada that the United States would not be ready, willing and able to help with. There would be no debate, there would be no hesitation. We would be there for Canada — part of our family," he said.
"And that is why so many in the United States are so disappointed and upset that Canada is not fully supporting us now," he said.
Cellucci took aim at recent remarks by Liberal MPs including a comment about President George W. Bush made last week by Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal, who said Bush had "let not only Americans, but the world down by not being a statesman."
Cellucci says it's ironic that Ottawa won't do much to control that kind of comment, even though the federal government was critical of the letter he received from Alberta Premier Ralph Klein praising the United States.
"When Mr. Klein issues strong support for the United States, the Canadian government comes down hard on him. When Mr. Dhaliwal makes totally inappropriate remarks about the president of the U.S., they kind of ignore it."
During question period the opposition parties did not ignore Cellucci's comments.
"When will this government do the right thing and back our American friends and allies, because frankly sir, you are embarrassing us," said Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien looked annoyed when he rose to answer the question. He said the remarks made by his MPs "show to the people of the world that Canada is an independent country."
Canada is engaged in the so-called 'war against terrorism' alongside the United States. Canadian warships are on patrol in the Gulf region.
"The Canadian naval vessels will provide more support to this war in Iraq, than most of the 46 countries that are fully supporting our effort there," said Cellucci.
The NDP said that comment proves the government should withdraw those Canadian ships and their crews to show that Canada truly does not support the U.S.-led military action against Iraq.
US ambassador rebukes Ottawa for lack of support
TORONTO - Some tough words for the Canadian government from U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci. He blasted the Liberal government for its failure to back the United States' war in Iraq.
Cellucci made his statement during a breakfast speech with Toronto's Bay Street business crowd. "There is disappointment in Washington," he said, "that Canada is not supporting us fully."
Cellucci says there is a long relationship between Canada and the U.S., but at the same time there could be some short-term strains as a result of Canada's position.
The ambassador said if there were ever a real threat to Canadian security the U.S, would be there to help. "There is no security threat to Canada that the United States would not be ready, willing and able to help with. There would be no debate, there would be no hesitation. We would be there for Canada — part of our family," he said.
"And that is why so many in the United States are so disappointed and upset that Canada is not fully supporting us now," he said.
Cellucci took aim at recent remarks by Liberal MPs including a comment about President George W. Bush made last week by Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal, who said Bush had "let not only Americans, but the world down by not being a statesman."
Cellucci says it's ironic that Ottawa won't do much to control that kind of comment, even though the federal government was critical of the letter he received from Alberta Premier Ralph Klein praising the United States.
"When Mr. Klein issues strong support for the United States, the Canadian government comes down hard on him. When Mr. Dhaliwal makes totally inappropriate remarks about the president of the U.S., they kind of ignore it."
During question period the opposition parties did not ignore Cellucci's comments.
"When will this government do the right thing and back our American friends and allies, because frankly sir, you are embarrassing us," said Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien looked annoyed when he rose to answer the question. He said the remarks made by his MPs "show to the people of the world that Canada is an independent country."
Canada is engaged in the so-called 'war against terrorism' alongside the United States. Canadian warships are on patrol in the Gulf region.
"The Canadian naval vessels will provide more support to this war in Iraq, than most of the 46 countries that are fully supporting our effort there," said Cellucci.
The NDP said that comment proves the government should withdraw those Canadian ships and their crews to show that Canada truly does not support the U.S.-led military action against Iraq.