Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, gentlemen, for joining us this morning. And Mr. Broadbent, thank you for your quote. I am sure that the committee will make good use of it.
The committee was asked to review the democratic aspect, in other words, we were asked to see whether or not Canada could encourage Cuba to allow the participation of more political parties. I take it that is not one of your recommendations. Do you think it would be desirable? That is my first question.
My second question also includes a comment. From time to time, the committee has heard witnesses who have told us that things were not all that bad in Cuba, that there were really no political prisoners, that there was not as great a threat to human rights as we were led to believe.
We have two interesting witnesses with us this morning. I would like to hear what you have to say about this. Your experience clearly demonstrates that there have indeed been political prisoners there, but I would like to hear your response to those who have claimed that to be false, that there are no political prisoners, that they are probably prisoners who have been paid or encouraged by other countries. I don't want you to feel ill at ease, but that is what we were told, and I would very much like to hear what you have to say about it.
My third question relates to official development assistance. It was also suggested that we suspend all aid to Cuba as long as there are political prisoners in that country. Is that something that we should consider doing?
Once again, thank you.