"And I said that day...'When you're (as) powerful (as) you are, you guys, it's the time to be nice'."

Collenette himself showed little signs of restraint, telling the CBC that the collapse of the Soviet Union had removed an important check on US foreign policy.

"There will be people in the United States sort of emboldened by their new source of unfettered power to -- in an (ice) hockey term -- get their elbows up," he said.

Foreign policy has never been high on Chretien's agenda, with the notable exception of Africa. At this year's summit of the Group of Eight most powerful nations, Chretien - as host - insisted his fellow leaders pay particular attention to a plan designed to help combat endemic poverty in Africa.

"I think the western world is a bit too selfish and that there is a lot of resentment. I felt it when I dealt with the African file for the G8 summit. You know, the poor get relatively poorer all the time and the rich are getting richer all the time," he said.

· Reuters, via Arab News Services

Photo Courtesy of Canadian Government

Please continue for important links