THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES

http://www.spacewar.com/2003/030513171924.ta3cr14j.html

Canadian cabinet puts off decision on joining US missile defence system
OTTAWA (AFP) May 13, 2003

The Canadian cabinet, which had been expected to agree last week to negotiations with the United States about joining its controversial missile defence system, has deferred its decision.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien told reporters after Tuesday's regular weekly cabinet meeting that more consultations were needed with backbench members of parliament in the governing Liberal Party.

Chretien said the cabinet would then decide "the week after next or the next week."

The Liberal Party is due to hold its regular weekly caucus meeting Wednesday, but there will be no meeting of the cabinet next week because of a one-week parliamentary recess.

Defence Minister John McCallum, asked why the cabinet had not decided on the issue already, said: "There are people in the caucus who have not expressed their opinion yet.

"The cabinet will make its decision in one or two weeks."

Many Liberal backbenchers, and some cabinet ministers, are known to oppose Canada joining the planned national missile defence system which has been dubbed "son of Star Wars" -- a reference to former US president Ronald Reagan's plans for a space-based defence system.

Foreign Minister Bill Graham rejected that criticism.

He told reporters: "I do not consider this anywhere near Star Wars. This is a land- and sea-based system.

"This is not about weapons in space."