Iraq: It had to come to this..

Today the USA officially asked Canada's help.

Let's see what will happen.

Sorry, I only have the news in french, so it's not worth posting it!

Canada to participate in stabilizing efforts in postwar Iraq at U.S. request

By MARIA BABBAGE

OTTAWA (CP) - At the invitation of the United States, Canada will participate in efforts to help restore order in a postwar Iraq, a foreign affairs spokesman said Friday.

But in what capacity Canada can offer assistance has yet to be decided. "We will participate in partnership with (the) international community, but we need to consult further with the U.S. and other international partners, including the United Nations," said Reynald Doiron, a spokesman for the department.

The request to participate in "relief, reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq" was received by the department Thursday afternoon from the U.S. Embassy.

Doiron refused to comment on the details of the request, saying only that the invitation was also sent to a number of different countries.

"Before determining the best role for Canada, we need to consult further," he said.

"In terms of decision-making, we're not there yet."

Doiron said it's "unlikely" that Canada will contribute ground forces to an international stabilization force, given Canada's current commitment of peacekeeping and anti-terrorism forces in Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Middle East.

He noted Prime Minister Jean Chretien's comments last week indicating that Canada would be willing to send RCMP officers to help restore order in Iraq, if such a request were made.

"The prime minister has already indicated and highlighted Canada's strong tradition in assisting states recovering from conflict, including in policing and security sector reform," Doiron said.

Steven Hogue, a spokesman for the prime minister, said the U.S. request consisted of a "list of needs" for the transition period in postwar Iraq, but would not comment further.

"Right now, it's too early to say exactly what we can and what we can't do. We're still in discussion," he said.

"I don't want to confirm whatever is on the specifics of the list, but the prime minister has said in the past that we are open to provide Canada's expertise."

Such expertise may not be just be limited to policing, but also to judicial, constitutional and electoral matters, he added. Canada has already pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid to Iraq.

In a press conference Thursday, U.S. state department spokesman Richard Boucher said a telegram was sent out to a "several dozen nations" asking what they could contribute to a stabilization force in Iraq.

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 Where'd my picture go?

For some reason, you uploaded a wrong one recently? I've been creating the thumbnails and it seems your picture was screwed up..