Thank you, sir.
As you know, the matter before us is very serious, and I hope you will not feel any undue influence in what you believe to be relevant and vital for the committee to hear. We expect you to clarify and/or help us to better understand certain matters brought before the committee. Refusal to answer a question is not an option. However, if you believe, sir, that there is any valid reason that a question should not be answered, I will hear your argument and make a ruling.
As a courtesy to our translators, I ask you not to speak too quickly. I will give you all the time you need to make your full statement before we proceed to questions from the committee members.
Do you have any questions for me before we begin?