Canada Welcomes Algerian Election Results

OTTAWA, Canada, May 18, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the Algerian Constitutional Council's announcement of the official results of recent legislative elections.

“Independent reports indicate that the elections appear to have been free and fair, with no reports of violence. I am especially pleased that so many women were elected to parliament; this reflects well on all Algerians.

“Canada encourages the continuation of recent reforms. Relations between our two countries are strong and getting stronger, as demonstrated by our joint chairing of the Sahel Working Group of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Algeria's new government to promote freedom, democracy and economic prosperity for both our countries.”