Canadian PM Confirms: No Troops To Iraq

[Aaron]

CBC

PARIS - Prime Minister Paul Martin reaffirmed Ottawa's stance that it will not commit troops to Iraq, saying Canada should instead play a role where it can "make a substantial difference."

Martin, who made the comments after meeting with French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on Thursday, said Canada's primary contribution to Iraq's reconstruction will be $300 million in humanitarian aid.

Martin's comments on Iraq come as two international meetings were being held on how to help the war-torn country.

"We intend to play a role. But clearly we are going to focus on those areas where the Canadian role is significant."

Martin, who is wrapping up his international trip to Russia, France and Hungary, cited peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan and Haiti as areas where Canada is playing a key role.

"We are not on the sidelines," he said.

Martin told France's Le Monde daily newspaper that it's better to play a key role in Afghanistan than a marginal one in Iraq. He said Canada's commitment to have troops in Afghanistan will continue.

"I'm not saying we will not play a role in Iraq," but whatever Canada does must make a "significant difference," Martin said. "There's a limit to our resources."

Thank god. I don't need to put any more comrades in the ground. But realistically, we're maxed out with Bosnia and Afghanistan, so it's the only option. Although how far will 300 million $ in aid go?

[Augustus]

Thank you Canada, any help is better than none.

[frigidmagi]

But realistically, we're maxed out with Bosnia and Afghanistan, so it's the only option.

That's understandable, it's not like Canada is known for being military juggernaught. I don't know if the 300 million will do that much, but it's way better than nothing.

[Aaron]

That's understandable, it's not like Canada is known for being military juggernaught. I don't know if the 300 million will do that much, but it's way better than nothing.

Well I would think that 300 million could build quite a few schools or alternativly feed alot of people. I'm going with building schools though, that's what our forces have traditionally done in Cyprus, Bosnia, Afghanistan and I believe in Rawanda.

[Stravo]

I just find it to be a mockery that Canada refuses to send Alpha Flight. Super hero hoarders!!

[Aaron]

I just find it to be a mockery that Canada refuses to send Alpha Flight. Super hero hoarders!!

Who the fuck is Alpha Flight?

[frigidmagi]

Super hero team from Marvel Comics. In the comics they work for the Canadain Government to protect Canadain Cizitens and Interest.

[Aaron]

Super hero team from Marvel Comics. In the comics they work for the Canadain Government to protect Canadain Cizitens and Interest.

Thats funny. Canadian Super Heros eh? Most of Canada couldn't agree on the colour of a brown paper bag, how could we field super heros?

[frigidmagi]

how could we field super heros?

According to the comics, not very well. It could be worst however.

[Aaron]

According to the comics, not very well. It could be worst however.

Yeah, they could all be French-Canadian.

[Montcalm]

According to the comics, not very well. It could be worst however.

Yeah, they could all be French-Canadian.

You know that AF Northstar and his sister are french-Canadian

[Aaron]

You know that AF Northstar and his sister are french-Canadian

I take it that they are part of the super-hero squad? If so I will try not to hold it aginst them.