本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛Harper tells U.S. to butt out when it comes to Canada's Arctic
January 26, 2006 - 14:16
OTTAWA (CP) - Stephen Harper used his first news conference as prime minister-designate Thursday to warn the United States to mind its own business when it comes to Canada's Arctic.
The Conservative leader said he'll stick to his campaign promise to bolster Canada's military presence in the North and build big new military icebreakers. He was responding to comments Wednesday by U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who criticized the plans, claiming the Arctic passage as "neutral waters."
Harper said Canada will do what it wants in its territory.
"The United States defends its sovereignty; the Canadian government will defend our sovereignty," he said.
"It is the Canadian people that we get our mandate from, not the ambassador of the United States."
Harper has promised to mend strained relations with the U.S., while standing firm for Canadian interests.
Arctic sovereignty has been a sensitive subject for decades, with American submarines and even ships entering northern waters without asking permission.
It was reported last month that a U.S. submarine travelled secretly through Canadian Arctic waters in November on its way to the North Pole.更多精彩文章及讨论,请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
January 26, 2006 - 14:16
OTTAWA (CP) - Stephen Harper used his first news conference as prime minister-designate Thursday to warn the United States to mind its own business when it comes to Canada's Arctic.
The Conservative leader said he'll stick to his campaign promise to bolster Canada's military presence in the North and build big new military icebreakers. He was responding to comments Wednesday by U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who criticized the plans, claiming the Arctic passage as "neutral waters."
Harper said Canada will do what it wants in its territory.
"The United States defends its sovereignty; the Canadian government will defend our sovereignty," he said.
"It is the Canadian people that we get our mandate from, not the ambassador of the United States."
Harper has promised to mend strained relations with the U.S., while standing firm for Canadian interests.
Arctic sovereignty has been a sensitive subject for decades, with American submarines and even ships entering northern waters without asking permission.
It was reported last month that a U.S. submarine travelled secretly through Canadian Arctic waters in November on its way to the North Pole.更多精彩文章及讨论,请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net