Ottawa, Oct 24 (IANS): Canada welcomes the post-Gaddafi era in Libya as well as the transition of the country to a democratic society that respects human rights and the rule of law, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
"Today, Canadians join with the Libyan people in celebrating the liberation of their country," Harper said Sunday in a statement on the declaration of liberation by Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC).
He spoke highly of the Libyan people who courageously rose up against decades of rule by former leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed in his home town Sirte by NTC fighters.
Harper promised that Canada will continue to work with transitional leaders as the new Libya takes shape.
He also hailed the role played by Canada's armed forces -- more than 600 soldiers, six fighter planes and a frigate -- in the NATO-led strikes on Gaddafi and his loyalists.