I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 142nd meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today we have the pleasure of hosting a delegation representing the Crimean Tatar people.
Mustafa Dzhemilev is a member of Ukraine's parliament and leader of the Crimean Tatar people. Akhtem Chiygoz is deputy chairman of the Milli Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.
We are also pleased to be joined once again by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, His Excellency Andriy Shevchenko.
Gentlemen, thank you for appearing today to speak to us about the situation in occupied Crimea and the risks the Crimean Tatar people face. As Canadians and parliamentarians, we want to reiterate our unyielding support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and the illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea.
If you would like to proceed with your opening statement, we will then move straight to questions from the members.
Go ahead, Mr. Dzhemilev.