Thank you, Chair. I will be quick.
I appreciate that our witnesses have provided this committee with very specific recommendations, and Mr. Malok, I think you've been extremely helpful.
I am interested in issues around not just the importance of having a fair and timely referendum, but also around what happens afterward. As we know, there is a lot of concern over the capacity of the south. I am concerned that if things go according to schedule and we have a referendum result, as most people expect, for separation, there is a potential for a collapse, just because of the number of people who have moved to regions in the south or the capital and the capability to sustain the new country if that happens. I'm deeply concerned. We've seen great violence after partitions, and I'm concerned that the north will then have a premise to say, “See, it wouldn't work. It can't work. They can't govern themselves.” So I would appreciate recommendations you have for Canada to help with governance issues post-referendum.
My message to our friends from KAIROS is similar. You've mentioned, and I've already asked for, specific groups that could help not only with supporting the Resolution 1325 approach, but also where we can invest. The referendum is one thing, but the post-referendum situation is another, so I would like to hear any suggestions you have for that.
Finally, there is the question of how we protect minorities in the north. I still don't have my head around that issue, and I would appreciate any recommendations you have for protecting minorities in the north. Otherwise I think they're given one option, which is to leave, and I don't think that's satisfactory for anyone.
Thank you.