Thanks, but no thanks, is U.S. President George W. Bush's response to a Canadian proposal to solve the crisis in Iraq.

A White House spokesperson said Wednesday that Bush phoned Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to ask for an explanation of the proposal. It includes the creation of a list of outstanding issues faced by UN weapons inspectors, and a disarmament deadline of March 28.

Bush thanked Chrétien for the explanation, said Ari Fleischer, but told him he would be standing by his latest resolution.

Prime Minister Chrétien leaves for Mexico to draw up support for Canada's proposal

When asked about the Canadian proposal, Fleischer said Bush believes his resolution is the "way to go."

"Time is running out, this issue must come to a conclusion," said Fleischer.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell also discussed the proposal. Afterwards, U.S. State Department spokesperson Richard Boucher said Canada's proposal "only procrastinates on a decision we all should be prepared to take."

The Canadian idea was circulated around the UN Tuesday, receiving a mixed response.

Canada's ambassador to the UN, Paul Heinbecker, called the 1½-page document, entitled "Ideas on Bridging the Divide," a middle ground between the rival camps on the Security Council.

Diplomats from Chile and Mexico said they liked the idea, while German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said there was no need for a new compromise.