This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS OTTAWA 000929
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL CA NATO
SUBJECT: CANADA RATIFIES NATO ENLARGEMENT
REF: USNATO 387
(U) Two days after NATO signed the protocols on accession of
the seven new members to NATO (reftel), Canada became the
first country to ratify the protocols. Prime Minister
Chretien announced the ratification on March 28, saying that
the new members bring to NATO "additional capabilities,
extended geographical reach and greater security for the
future." COMMENT: GoC support for the seven was approved by
Cabinet in July 2002, and reaffirmed by Cabinet in
preparation for the NATO signing. Expansion has been
uncontroversial here, and Canadian ratification was almost a
formality. END COMMENT.
CELLUCCI