Foreign Affairs Committee on June 8th, 2023

[Ali Maisam Nazary]

What we see, because of the multi-faceted crises that Afghanistan is facing and because the Taliban isn't a monolithic group—it's divided into warring factions that are competing over power and resources—is that the rift of the past two years has deepened. What is happening today is leading to their disintegration, and as long as this continues their grip on power will weaken.

At the same time, what the international community can do is to increase its pressure through sanctions that can weaken it. This will give the democratic forces of Afghanistan space. It will give us the opportunity to be able to form that alternative for our future, which is needed establish a democratic government that treats every single citizen, regardless of their gender, religious beliefs and ethnicity, equally.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Thank you.

In the 30 seconds I have left, I would like to ask you to follow up in writing regarding specific kinds of sanctions that could be helpful in bringing about that Taliban collapse.

Finally, could you clarify whether you are in the process of trying to build, then, a government in exile, and are you looking for military support from allies and partners?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Thank you.

Mr. Nazary, could you kindly submit responses to those two questions, as we're almost out of time?

For the final question, we go to Ms. Bendayan.

Ms. Bendayan, you have the last question. Do you not have your headphones?

[Technical difficulty—Editor]

Do any of the Liberal members wish to speak?

Yes, Mr. Sidhu. You have four minutes.

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

If I may, I would ask the witnesses for final thoughts on improving SEMA or the Magnitsky act?

I know that time is running late, but could someone add some comments on that, perhaps Mr. Gallagher?

[Kelsey Gallagher]

Was the question on how we can improve the Magnitsky act and SEMA?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

That's correct.

[Kelsey Gallagher]

Again, we're focused mostly on export controls, but there is certainly overlap with sanctions there.

We would bring it back to transparency. If there are instances where Canadian officials have investigated alleged violations of sanctions busting, this is very serious stuff. That is why this committee is meeting on this topic.

Our immediate response would be to engage with a much higher level of transparency so that we can actually understand the scope of the problem.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Mr. Nazary...?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Nazary, do you have anything to add to this before we wrap up?

[Ali Maisam Nazary]

Thank you. I have no comment.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

At this point, I'd like to thank Mr. Nazary and Mr. Gallagher. We are very grateful for your time and expertise. We will certainly be in touch going forward.

We would be grateful if you could provide any responses that you undertook to provide to members of the committee.

Before I adjourn, I want to confirm that there is unanimous consent for the proposed budget in the amount of $30,950 for the study of Canada's sanctions regime. That proposal was distributed to all of you this morning.

The last thing I want to point out is that we're very grateful that we have two distinguished guests here in the audience with us. We have Elias and Lévi. They are luminaries here. They are the clerk's sons, whom everyone in this committee has heard from.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

With that being said, the meeting stands adjourned.