[ninty]

Bush to Chrétien: don't worry about Iraq contracts
Last Updated Thu, 11 Dec 2003 12:42:28
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said Canada won't be excluded from contracts to rebuild Iraq.

At a news conference with China's premier, Chrétien said U.S. President George W. Bush called him Thursday morning and told him to ignore reports in the media that Canada will not be eligible for the contracts.

"He told me not to worry," Chrétien said.

He said Bush wished him good luck on his last day as prime minister and thanked him for Canada's military role in Afghanistan and the country's financial contribution to rebuilding Iraq.

The White House has come under fire for saying it will shut out countries that refused to take part in the U.S.-led war on Iraq from bidding on $18.6 billion US in reconstruction contracts.

Chrétien said he's feeling nostalgic on his last day as Prime Minister.

"I will miss many things. I will miss the press believe it or not. But on the other had, I intend to be very active.

Chrétien said once he's officially retired, he won't comment publicly on the new government.

"I will observe from home and as I promised with no comment."

"If (the party) goes too far to the left, I will say nothing. If they go too far to the right I il say nothing. It's not my business."