Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada following the Resignation of president Hosni Mubarak of Egypt

February 11, 2011

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation:

“Canada respects President Mubarak’s decision to step down in order to promote peace and stability in the country. The future of Egypt is for Egyptians to decide.

“Canada wants to see free and fair elections; we want to see the rule of law and stability; we want to see respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities, including religious minorities; we want to see the transition to a democratic Egypt.

“Our Government encourages all parties to move forward with a peaceful, meaningful, credible and orderly democratic reform process towards new leadership, including free and fair elections in order to build a brighter future for the people of Egypt.

“Canada will continue to support Egypt in implementing meaningful democratic and economic reforms.  We will also continue to encourage and support Egypt’s efforts to promote regional stability and peace, including with Israel as well as continued respect for peace treaties in the Middle East.”