Ottawa: Canada expressed support on Sunday for the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people and said any future government must respect the existing peace agreement with Israel.
"We expect that any government that will emerge will uphold Egypt's commitment to international law, as well as all past peace accords and agreements, including with Israel," Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said.
The unprecedented upheaval on the streets of Egypt against President Hosni Mubarak has raised concerns, notably in Israel, about the impact on the 1978 peace accord between Egypt and Israel.
Cannon noted the talks between the Egyptian government and the opposition begun on Sunday in Cairo.
"Canada stands by the people of Egypt as they work toward a peaceful and democratic transition," he said.
"This transition must be both orderly and guided by values such as non-violence, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of religious minorities," he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, February 07, 2011, 12:51