Canada won't join U.S. to isolate Syria, PM says
Chrétien doing further harm to U.S. relations, Alliance says
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
OTTAWA - Jean Chrétien yesterday distanced Canada from Washington's campaign to pressure Syria to disarm and sever ties to international terrorism, a move that could widen the rift between Canada and the United States.
But the Prime Minister, on a trip to the Dominican Republic, appeared unmoved by U.S. disapproval of Canada's refusal to join the war against Iraq, saying he was "very proud" of his stand against the war.
Mr. Chrétien went further, declaring Canada has no plans to join the United States if it imposes economic sanctions on Syria.
"If the Americans decide to do that, they have the privilege to do that. For us, we're not planning to do anything like that immediate," he said.
He said later that questions about possible American sanctions or military intervention in Syria were "strictly speculation."
"It's not my role to respond to all questions of if, if, if, if, if. Let's deal with reality," he said.
However, the Prime Minister's assertiveness could further antagonize George W. Bush, the U.S. President, who has accused Syria of stockpiling chemical weapons and harbouring fleeing members of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime.
The United States moved yesterday to further isolate Syria by shutting down a pipeline used for illegal oil shipments from neighbouring Iraq. There have been reports that Syria was receiving 150,000 to 200,000 barrels of oil daily through the pipeline, which was operating in violation of UN sanctions.
On Monday, Mr. Chrétien told reporters he was not aware the United States had threatened Syria. But yesterday, the Prime Minister accused the media of exaggerating the importance of his failure to keep abreast of the news.
"If they talk in Washington, I hope that you will not expect me to be listening 24 hours a day to all that's being said around the world," he said.
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