| Conservatives won Monday's parliamentary elections in Canada, ending 12 years of Liberal rule. They were 33 seats short of the required majority, so the conservatives will have to seek an alliance with other political movements. In the 308-seat parliament, 122 seats went to conservatives, 103 to liberals. The new cabinet will most likely be headed by Conservative leader Stephen Harper, 46. Current Prime Minister Paul Martin admitted defeat and announced that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party. Mr Harper promises to cut taxes and strengthen the fight against crime and corruption. Under the Conservatives, Canada could join the American missile defense project, increase the number of its peacekeepers in Afghanistan and Haiti, and strengthen cross-border cooperation with the United States in the fight against terrorism and arms smuggling. Katerina LABETSKAYA | |
