In a move that could strain ties with its powerful neighbor to the south, Canada said on Thursday it will not participate in a US plans, widely opposed here, to deploy a missile defense shield covering North America.
Relations had appeared to warm of late after cooling with the US-led invasion of Iraq in early 2003, in which Canada had also declined to participate.
Political analysts expected the decision. Ottawa had been mulling its stand on the US missile defense program for more than a year.
Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin leads a minority government and his party's lawmakers had lobbied him not to take part in the program which is highly unpopular in Canada, particularly in Quebec.
"Let me be clear: we respect the right of the United States to defend itself and its people. Indeed, we will continue to work in partnership with our southern neighbors on the common defense of North America and on continental security," Martin said.
"However, ballistic missile defense is not where we will concentrate our efforts. Instead we will act both alone and with our neighbors on defense priorities such as those outlined in yesterday's budget. These include: strengthening the security of our common border, bolstering security at points of entry, reinforcing our coastal and arctic sovereignty, increasing support for intelligence, expanding our armed forces and increasing our capital investment in helicopters, trucks, aircraft and ships," he said.
In Washington, a state department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "The Canadians have informed us of their decision. We take note of it."
"We certainly hope that despite the decision we'll still be able to continue our broad range of cooperation on bilateral issues, including on defense cooperation," the US official said.
"Canada remains steadfast in its support of NORAD, which is essential to continental security and our national sovereignty," Martin said. "That's why we agreed last summer to enhance our longstanding commitment to track missiles through NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command]. We stand by that commitment. It underscores an important ongoing partnership with the United States and most of all, it is in Canada's strategic national interest."
The US and Canada agreed last August to extend NORAD's aerospace warning function to support missile defense. The agreement allowed NORAD information on incoming missiles to be used by the US missile defense program, but did not require actual participation by Canadian forces, according to US officials.
"Canada recognizes the enormous burden that the United States shoulders when it comes to international peace and security. The substantial increases made ... to our defense budget are a tangible indication that Canada intends to carry its full share of that global responsibility," Martin said.
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