Missile defense not hampered by Canada

WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- Canada's decision not to participate in the U.S. missile defense system doesn't hamper the system, said the admiral in charge of North American defense.

"From where I sit in Colorado Springs, my ability to protect the United States is not affected by Canada's decision," said Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Canada's prime minister announced Feb. 24 his country would not endorse or participate in the U.S. missile defense system.

U.S. President George W. Bush had asked Canada for a blanket endorsement of the program last fall -- a program that includes weapons in space and a sea-based missile defense system, as well as a series of missiles on U.S. soil meant to intercept North Korean missiles.

The multi-billion U.S. system -- not yet operational -- would still be employed to protect Canadian cities. Keating said the Pentagon is working on a policy that would authorize a launch of an interceptor missile if the likely target is Canada, rather than the United States.

"We would prefer to have Canada as a member, but it doesn't restrict us," he said.