Canada PM Pettigrow welcomes opening of Gaza crossings

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew on Wednesday issued the following statement welcoming the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on border crossings in the Gaza Strip saying "We welcome today's announcement, made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, European Union High Representative Javier Solana, and Quartet Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement James Wolfensohn, on behalf of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators."

"The willingness of both the Israelis and Palestinians to work out a plan to open the Rafah crossing, allowing for the flow of people and goods at this critical time in the Middle East region, is encouraging, and Canada will continue to provide its support to ensure that progress continues.

"Canada urges both sides to use this momentum to reinvigorate peace talks, and to pursue the goals set out in the Roadmap for peace.

"Canada is also pleased to see that the agreement will take effect almost immediately. Equally important, the agreement paves the way for the development of a seaport, opens the possibility of rebuilding Gaza International Airport, and situates the security and economic revitalization of Israelis and Palestinians at the forefront.

"As part of our enhanced package of assistance to the Palestinians, Canada has deployed a high-level border management expert in support of the work of the Quartet's Special Envoy. We will also rely on additional expert assistance to be provided by the Canada Border Services Agency to the Palestinian Authority in the area of border management in the coming months."