Recall troops, NDP demands'Could be implicated in American actions'

[Jem]

WINNIPEG -- Canada would be violating international laws if any of its soldiers fight with American forces in Iraq without UN approval, says federal NDP Leader Jack Layton. "George Bush and Tony Blair intend to send those troops to war," Layton said while in Winnipeg yesterday. "No Canadian should be involved in what could be an invasion by Americans into Iraq that will involve attacks on civilians -- the so-called collateral damage. What they're talking about here is blowing up kids, Iraqi kids." "We don't want troops there. We think they could be implicated for American actions." Canada has long maintained exchange programs in which small numbers of military personnel serve with allied units. A small number of Canadian military personnel have been authorized to serve with British and American forces in an Iraq war, even if Canada is technically a non-combatant, defence officials confirmed yesterday. About 90 Canadians are with U.S. forces worldwide, fewer than 10 of whom could be deployed to the Iraq theatre of operations, officials said. Another 40 are with British forces, about seven of whom could be declared operational. An additional small number are with Australian units that could see action. Layton, who spoke to an audience of 60 students at the University of Winnipeg yesterday, said he wants all Canadian forces returned home immediately. "We will be demanding that those troops be recalled. You can bet we'll be raising it in the House of Commons on Monday," Layton said. Khali Khaled, a former United Nations official who is a political science fellow at the University of Winnipeg, said the Canadian government would be held responsible for its soldiers involved in combat not sanctioned by the UN. NOT ALL WARMONGERS "If the U.S. bypasses (the UN) and attacks Iraq without the UN's blessing, then they have violated international law," he said. "The Canadians take full responsibility along with the U.S. government. They accept all the negative and positive consequences." But Khaled said he doubts an unsanctioned war is being contemplated by American officials. "Contrary to what people think, the U.S. is very worried about international opinion," he said. "Not every American is a warmonger. Behind all the statements there is a lot of diplomacy." Steve Weedon, a second-year arts student at the University of Winnipeg, said Canada should be fighting to stop a U.S.-Iraq war, not fighting next to American soldiers. "It's a crime against humanity when you have a full-scale war and you have no choice but to take civilian casualties," he said. "Saddam hasn't done anything in 10 years."


http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Ir.../15/43923.html

[Janice]

The United States has never needed nor will it ever need Canada's help in fighting a war. I don't think anyone's going to lose any sleep if Canadian troops are recalled.

[bandito]

Originally posted by Janice
The United States has never needed nor will it ever need Canada's help in fighting a war. I don't think anyone's going to lose any sleep if Canadian troops are recalled.

I coudn't have said it better Janice!

[Three'sCompanyrules]

Originally posted by Janice
The United States has never needed nor will it ever need Canada's help in fighting a war. I don't think anyone's going to lose any sleep if Canadian troops are recalled.

I agree, well said Janice!

[Max Whittaker]

Originally posted by Janice
The United States has never needed nor will it ever need Canada's help in fighting a war. I don't think anyone's going to lose any sleep if Canadian troops are recalled.

Indeed? Well, that's right neighborly of you!

I wonder how long until Bush starts to snub Canada.

[Kitt]

Canada did fight in WWI, WWII and the Korean War. It may be easy to poo poo that article, but to poo poo Canada and its contributions in wars involving the United States is ignoring history.