Ignatieff meets Obama, Discusses Khadr
Liberal Leader, President Discuss Khadr, Trade, Afghanistan
Feb 20, 2009
Those issues included Omar Khadr's case, Afghanistan, and trade.
Khadr’s Case
Among his first actions as President, Obama issued an executive order, directing the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison. The order included a case review of five cases including Omar Khadr’s to see if prosecution is warranted, and if it is what the best forum for the trial. The review is to be headed up by Attorney-General Eric Holder. Khadr stands accused of murder.
In meeting with Obama, Ignatieff took his chance to press the case for Khadr’s release. He took advantage, saying in a Toronto Star article: “I assured him, that were we in government we would work with him to make good on the promise to close Guantanamo down.” However, he doesn’t see any solution in the near future.
Obama, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper didn’t discuss the case, in their private meeting.
Other Issues Discussed
Besides the Khadr case, the two men discussed Afghanistan, and trade.
Obama remarked in the meeting he thought the Afghan mission is drifting. To that end, his administration has begun a strategic review, expected to last two months. He has invited the input of North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO) countries as well.
Prime Minister Harper offered his input at a news conference including reporters from the Toronto Star: “I would hope that any strategies put forward have the idea of an end date.”Harper added that peace and security would ultimately have to be established by Afghanistan’s citizens.
Canada’s end date for the mission there is still 2011, and no further extension has been requested. Ignatieff hinted in his meeting with Obama the Liberals might be open to a possible extension of the mission. Obama stressed that he didn’t ask Harper for one, he merely wanted to compliment Canada on its contribution there.
In terms of trade, Ignatieff raised the issue of the controversial Buy American clause in the stimulus package. Ignatieff told the Toronto Star the President said: “It may as well have been called Buy North American.” This demonstrated to the Liberal Leader a clear understanding of the importance the US-Canada trade relationship is.
They spoke of what was termed the “new politics” a concept that fosters cooperation instead of confrontation. In a Toronto Star article an American spokesperson said Ignatieff “stressed the importance of bi-partisanship in Canada on economic and foreign issues.”
On a personal level Ignatieff and Obama are both Harvard grads; they have mutual friends. Ignatieff told CTV that Obama told him he read a couple of his books. Ignatieff told reporters that it flattered him.
In comments to the Toronto Star, Ignatieff left no doubt he was impressed with the President: “He’s a very, very, big presence. He’s gracious, extremely polite. He has a gracefulness about him."
