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President Bush is in Canada, seeking to mend
frayed ties with America's
northern neighbor. His talks with Prime Minister Paul Martin ended with a
pledge to strengthen cooperation on trade and security.
The president has made trips to Canada before for international and
regional meetings. But this is his first official visit to the Canadian
capital, a sign, some say, that he is seeking reconciliation with allies
that opposed the war in Iraq.
At a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, the
president said he understands that not everyone agrees with his
views.
"But I am the kind of fellow who does what I think is right
and will continue to do what I think is right," said Mr. Bush. "I will
consult with our friends our neighbors, but if I think it is right to
remove Saddam Hussein for the security of the United States, that is the
course of action I will take."
He spoke of Canada as a neighbor and friend, and indicated he believes
its differences with the United States can be overcome. The prime minister
agreed, saying they have shared values.
"In fact, we agreed to put forward an agenda in which our two nations
will cooperate in a practical way toward common goals," said Mr. Martin.
Both men spoke of the need to join forces to combat terrorism and
promote free trade. Canada and the United States have the world's biggest
bilateral trading partnership with more than $1 billion in products
crossing the border each day.
Mr. Martin said their prosperity and security are linked. And President
Bush vowed quick action on a thorny trade issue: restrictions on the
importation of Canadian cattle imposed by the United States immediately
after a case of mad cow disease was discovered in the western province of
Alberta.
"I fully understand the cattle business," said Mr. Bush. "I understand
the pressures placed on Canadian ranchers. I believe that as quickly as
possible young cows ought to be allowed to go across our border."
A resolution of the issue is key for Prime Minister Martin who has
talked of his desire to ease tensions with the United States that were
exacerbated when his
predecessor Jean Chrétien
chose not to send troops to Iraq.
As he was welcoming President Bush to Ottawa, thousands of protesters
were gathering in the Canadian capital, most of them opposed to the war in
Iraq and proposals for including Canada in the U.S. missile defense
program.
There were reports in the Canadian news media that the president
declined an invitation to address Canada's parliament because he might be
heckled by members who oppose
his policies. White House Spokesman Scott McClellan shrugged off the
reports, saying the president wanted to speak directly to the Canadian
people.
Mr. Bush will do just that on Wednesday when he visits Halifax, Nova
Scotia. Aides say the president wants to thank the residents of Nova
Scotia and surrounding provinces for the help and comfort they provided to
thousands of American travelers when U.S. airports were shut down and
flights diverted following the September 11th, 2001 terrorist
attacks. | 
