Thank you so much for your presentation here this morning.
On a slightly lighter note just for one moment, Mr. Levin, only a person with an appreciation for classical music would be able to use the term leitmotif in a conversation. As a musician, I say thank you.
My question really is for Mr. Metcalfe. These days you must carry a very heavy weight on your shoulders, having responsibility for both the Middle East and Europe. I appreciate so much the work you are doing, because it is tremendous.
I was in Ukraine three years ago when the foreign affairs committee was there. I had the opportunity to meet with independent media in Kharkiv. I actually purchased $200 worth of advertising on the radio station. It was an independent radio station. They were telling us how difficult it is to have independent media in Ukraine because there just isn't the kind of revenue available through small and medium-sized businesses to purchase advertising. I supported them and said, “I don't care if all you say is that Lois Brown supports free and fair elections. I am happy with that. Say it as many times as $200 will buy.” He was thrilled to pieces that someone purchased advertising space.
I wonder if you could speak a little about what Canada is doing to help strengthen civil society organizations, because the reality is that when civil society organizations take hold, they in themselves start to touch the pressure points that are going to enable countries to move forward.