U.S. Ambassador Cellucci's tough words for Canada

Next of Kin · Post by **Next of Kin** » 2003-03-25 10:02pm

Interesting words that has Canadian Big Business a little worried.

U.S. 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.

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Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-03-25 10:10pm

Is the Bush administration trying to piss off the entire world? Fucking hell.

Enlightenment · Post by **Enlightenment** » 2003-03-25 10:18pm

Economic warfare on the grounds that one country's leadership isn't afraid to call another country's president what he is: agree with us or else.

Cue the Imperial march.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-03-25 10:18pm

First time I hear "Four more years", someone's getting painted with vomit.

theski · Post by **theski** » 2003-03-25 10:21pm

Four more years four more years!!! oops (looks around sheepishly)

Sorry thought it was 1984 Reagan Reagan..

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-03-25 10:21pm

Frank Hipper wrote:First time I hear "Four more years", someone's getting painted with vomit.

Unfortunately we probably do have four more years of this shit to look forward to.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2003-03-25 10:24pm

*groan*

Montcalm · Post by **Montcalm** » 2003-03-25 10:27pm

Well since Shrubby want to bring back political assassination i think it can go both ways.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-03-25 10:28pm

After eight years of Bush, I pity the poor son of a bitch that has to pick up the pieces.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2003-03-25 10:45pm

So, are we getting a 51st state soon?

I just did this to save the trouble of one of the other crazy Americans saying it. Now they can't. Hopefully. Preemptive flamebait.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2003-03-25 10:59pm

Stormbringer wrote:
Frank Hipper wrote:First time I hear "Four more years", someone's getting painted with vomit.
Unfortunately we probably do have four more years of this shit to look forward to.

*looks at the shotgun mothers fiance shot himself in the face with, reaches for it, slaps hand away*

Enforcer Talen · Post by **Enforcer Talen** » 2003-03-25 11:36pm

RogueIce wrote:So, are we getting a 51st state soon?

I just did this to save the trouble of one of the other crazy Americans saying it. Now they can't. Hopefully. Preemptive flamebait.

give me time. Im forming the framework now.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2003-03-26 12:03am

Enforcer Talen wrote:give me time. Im forming the framework now.

Ah, how soon? They've been getting awful cocky up there...

Enforcer Talen · Post by **Enforcer Talen** » 2003-03-26 12:06am

I'll begin publicly sometime after the iraq war. most optimistic is that it will take 2 yrs, but 4-5 is more likely. I'll update you when I start.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2003-03-26 12:27am

Enforcer Talen wrote:I'll begin publicly sometime after the iraq war. most optimistic is that it will take 2 yrs, but 4-5 is more likely. I'll update you when I start.

Thanks. Looking forward to it.

Just one thing...NO COUNTDOWN CLOCK ON MSNBC! Please!

Enforcer Talen · Post by **Enforcer Talen** » 2003-03-26 12:28am

heh, my countdowns are guesses, so Im not going to put them up.

I will however, tell my plots on sdnet. it will be interesting.