Thank you, sir.
The matter before us obviously is very serious, and we hope you can clarify and/or help us to better understand certain matters that have been brought before the committee.
As you know, it's our practice to advise all witnesses that refusal to answer a question is not an option. However, if you believe there is valid reason that a question not be answered, I will hear your argument and make a ruling. As a courtesy to the translators—and I don't think it's going to be a problem on video conference—I hope you won't speak too quickly, but I will give you time to fully answer questions that are posed to you.
Do you have any questions for me before we begin?