Mr. Chair, as I've maintained, these individuals are my friends. I discuss many different issues with them. I see them at different social functions.
I called four of the individuals in question after I was terminated and offered my apology for my actions and the problems that it would cause for them. I would consider that an official conversation because it was in relation to the matter at hand. But I've had conversations with these individuals that are about other topics unrelated to this because they are simply my friends.