Chretien, Putin Reaffirm Support for Missile Treaty
Canada and Russia on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty and said they want further assessment of U.S. proposals for a national missile defense system.
A statement signed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien and President Vladimir V. Putin during a three-day visit to Canada by the Russian leader called for efforts to strengthen the ABM treaty and press forward with other disarmament pacts.
Russia has denounced the U.S. proposal, aimed at guarding against missile strikes by “rogue” states, and Canada views the plan with deep suspicion. Both leaders called for further talks and said Canada could play the role of go-between in view of its geographic position.
The two leaders also expected to sign economic agreements and perhaps cement a personal relationship.
Russia and Canada have much in common: Both are vast countries with Arctic territory and big mineral industries. Putin thinks they can do more to help each other if harnessed together and prevent the United States from dominating world affairs.
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