Canada said Thursday it had begun an exchange of letters with Washington on cooperation in anti-ballistic missile defense, a possible first step in Ottawa's participation in US anti-missile shield technology."This step will help to move forward discussions on possible Canadian participation in the missile defense of North America," Canadian Defense Minister David Pratt said in a statement.
"It sets out a clear path for future negotiations, and will allow Canada to have access to the information about missile defense that we will need to make a decision on participation," he said, although stressing that Canada "continues to oppose the weaponisation of space."
"Canada has had a very successful partnership with the United States in defending North America, and we are always looking at ways to enhance this relationship," said Pratt. "A decision on Canada's participation in the missile defence program will be made when talks are completed, and after Parliament has been consulted."
Canada had serious doubts about the anti-missile project when US President George W. Bush announced it in December 2002, but has since had second thoughts, through concerns over being side-lined from North American air defense.
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