If you'll allow me, Mr. Obhrai, I'll answer in French.
Thank you.
That is precisely the point that was emphasized through the international process on the Great Lakes region. It is the issue of ownership; in other words, the countries themselves sat around the table. Bringing these 11 countries to the table—nine of which ratified, in 2006, the pact Mr. Obhrai mentioned—so that they could resume the dialogue was in itself a challenge. As you know, the Congo was recovering from two successive wars during which, for some time, more than seven foreign armies from neighbouring countries battled it out on their territory.
What is unique and important about this pact that was ratified by nine of these neighbouring countries is that it deals with all aspects of economic, social and political life affecting these countries. It is not simply a pact dealing with peace and security, but also one dealing, for example, with basic trade relations among these neighbouring countries.
If I may, I will draw a link with Ms. Lalonde's question. Trade relations among these countries is an essential aspect they have asked for our help with. This week, a trade mission will be traveling to the five countries of East Africa, including Rwanda and Burundi, since these two countries belong both to Central Africa and East Africa. This is a trade mission that they wanted, and on which they have worked a great deal for many months, and it is chaired by the Rwandan minister. There are five ministers from these five countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Private sector development is precisely one of the issues covered by the pact on security, stability and development in the Great Lakes region.
So to reiterate, that is what is unique about the pact, because it deals with all aspects of reconstruction and not simply with overcoming conflict, as was so necessary a few years ago.
Thank you.