The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

"Canada welcomes the inclusive agreement that was reached and signed on December 31, 2016, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, paving the way toward an end to the crisis and a democratic transition in the country.

"We congratulate La Conférence épiscopale nationale du Congo [Congo National Episcopal Conference] for its dedicated mediation efforts, which were essential in reaching this agreement.

"We urge all parties to implement this agreement, which outlines the steps to be taken during the political transition and announces the holding in 2017 of peaceful elections, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.

"Canada remains concerned by the scope of the arrests by law enforcement authorities in the last month. Going forward, we remind all parties of the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of the Congolese people."

Distributed by APO on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs Canada.