Thank you.
Good afternoon, Mr. Mulroney.
I wonder how it is that the 2005 agreement came to be negotiated, with its inherent weaknesses, whereas you, who were already over there, had stated that you were aware of the problems within the Afghan prison system. I understand. We knew that the way Afghan prisoners were treated certainly did not correspond to the requirements of the Geneva Convention.
In these circumstances, and based on the knowledge, information and contacts, who negotiated this agreement in June 2005? Foreign Affairs? I don't know, but I would like to. You can answer me later.
Do you why the conditions called for in the agreement were not the ones put forward by the Dutch and the British in their agreement? These included free access, notice prior to transfer... There were several conditions, of which you are undoubtedly aware, that ensure that the Dutch and the British would not have the same unpleasant surprises as Canada.
I repeat that the negotiators should have known that they were required to comply with the Geneva Convention and that they could in no way run the risk that the prisoners they were transferring would be tortured.
You stated that when you arrived, you became aware of these problems, and that another agreement was negotiated. That certainly means that you kept the Prime Minister informed. When did you inform him of your observations?
And yet I am intrigued. I asked several questions repeatedly in the House of Commons, and my colleague could tell you the same thing. Up until May, we were told that they were very satisfied with the system, that there were no problems and that we were the ones who were creating problems.
I know that is a great many questions, but I am expecting a great many answers.