Canada has no plans to deploy U.S. NMD system facilities on its territory

Canada is not planning to deploy any of the United States' projected NMD system facilities on its territory, Canadian Premier Jean Chretien told a Friday press conference in St. Petersburg.

Earlier, Canadian Defence Minister John McCallum had said the country's government had decided to launch talks with the USA about Canada's participation in NMD deployment. According to his words, the purpose of Ottawa's joining the NMD was to protect Canadians and preserve the central role of the United Continental Air Defence in North America's defence and security system.

"It was about defending North America from missiles launched from other continents and flying over the Canadian territory, about the protection of our country," Chretien said.

At the same time, he stressed the talks in question would be simple "discussions," not official negotiations.

According to Chretien, the final decision may still be months ahead.