TORONTO, Chile, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- He may be retiring, but Jean Chretien isn't going quietly.
The Canadian prime minister is being accused of blaming the United States and the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for the tragedy.
In a television interview, Chretien said there was "a lot of resentment" about the way powerful countries treat the world's poor.
"You know, you cannot exercise your powers to the point of humiliation for others," he said. "That is what the Western world -- not only the Americans, the Western world -- has to realize because they are human beings, too."
Chretien added: "And I do think the Western world is getting too rich in relation to the poor world and necessarily, you know, we're looked upon as being arrogant, self-satisfied greedy, and with no limits. Sept. 11 is an occasion for me to realize it even more."
The Canadian prime minister is the first Western leader to speak so bluntly, linking the attacks to the perceived selfishness of the West and critics lambasted Chretien, demanding he apologize.
"This is a uniquely disgraceful statement," said former Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
"On the day the world solemnly recalls the death and destruction brought by cold-blooded murderers, our prime minister says that American economic strength and success was in part the provocation for such action," he added.
"This is a false, shocking and morally specious statement. It is essentially the case the terrorists have tried to make."
One radio talk show host likened Chretien's remarks to "urinating on the (victims') graves."
The prime minister's office was clearly stung by the reaction and issued a statement saying it would be a "gross misconstruction" to suggest Chretien blamed the United States for the attacks.
Chretien plans to vacate the Liberal leader's chair by February 2004. But he's being pressured to make it sooner.
Party organizers are expected to unveil plans to hold a leadership convention in late 2003, at least three months before the prime minister steps down.
They'll likely pick a date between Nov. 4 and Dec. 7, 2003.
The timing of a leadership convention had been hotly contested among Liberal rank and file.
Supporters of former finance minister Paul Martin, the apparent front-runner to replace Chretien, would prefer an earlier convention -- perhaps next June.
Another leadership hopeful is itching to get on the campaign trail, but can't because of a ban preventing cabinet ministers from declaring their intentions.
Industry Minister Allan Rock's supporters say he's asked the prime minister to let lift the ban, but had little success.
Rock hopes to start campaigning once a date for the leadership convention has been set, if he's to seriously challenge Paul Martin.
But sources are dismissing speculation he may decide to quit the Cabinet to go public with his campaign.
Chretien doesn't want his ministers to be distracted from their Cabinet duties and has told them to wait for his go-ahead before they enter the race.
