Thank you very much.
I would need to be a bit cautious, given the public nature of the forum. I would say, though, that we lead by example. What I mean is that our interest in engagement on a dialogue on human rights, whether it's with Colombia or Venezuela, or on a free trade agreement in the case of Colombia, is really led by our values--our adherence to open markets and to opportunity. It is not part of a larger geopolitical agenda. I think the best way to promote greater peace, security, and prosperity in the region is really through those three pillars of our engagement policy on democracy, on security, and on prosperity.
The impact, I would think, would be a positive one. I believe very much that when Canada puts forward it best--its values and its principles--it can only help to improve conditions. When countries like Chile, with which we have a free trade agreement, continue to thrive both economically and democratically, it's an example that can speak better than any other speech about the benefits of open trade and democracy.
With regard to a comparison, I would prefer to defer, because I think it's very difficult when you get into the realm of statistics and comparisons. No two countries are ever exactly alike. Their constitutions differ and change.
I just gave testimony earlier today at the Subcommittee on International Human Rights with regard to Venezuela, where the trend line is very disturbing. We are seeing a greater concentration of power. We are seeing--not only us, but also organizations such the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights--decreasing space for opposition, commentary, and freedom of expression. At the same time, the security situation has very much worsened. I think it might be surprising to find out that the homicide rate in Venezuela is actually far higher than it is in Colombia.