February 08, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin issued the following statement concerning the end of hostilities agreed to today by Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the Sharm el Sheikh Summit:

“I applaud Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for their leadership and the very courageous steps they are taking together. I welcome their renewed political dialogue and the declaration in Sharm el Sheikh which brings hope for an end to four years of hostilities. The commitments made today mark the beginning of a new era in the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians.

I also commend President Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah II of Jordan for their role in ensuring the success of today's Summit.

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew is in the region to demonstrate Canada's commitment to stepping up our contribution to the parties’ efforts toward peace and to helping develop Palestinian capacity.

The Minister will be meeting with President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon on Thursday and will convey Canadian support for a coordinated withdrawal from Gaza, a resumption of Road Map implementation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”