Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I wish to welcome the minister.
I too wish to begin by talking about Pakistan. It seems that the Pakistani position is deliberately unclear. Some even say that this country may have concluded direct agreements with the Taliban. I observe the conflict in Afghanistan, and I think that one of the ways of solving the problem is to better control the Pakistani border. You seem to have the same concern as us in this respect.
I would like to hear your opinion on the Pakistani secret service. We hear increasingly that not only is Mr. Musharraf’s regime close to the Taliban but also that many in the secret service are helping the Taliban. What do you think?
I would also like you to tell us a little more about the infamous liaison committee. When the Minister of National Defence appeared before the committee, he said that there had been a mistake in translation. I was on my way to the airport when I heard Mr. Musharraf answering questions on the CBC. He was really angry; he said that, since his country is a Canadian ally, he would not like to like to have to get into battles with any Canadian troops that might enter Pakistani territory.
Was it really a translation error? Did anything come of his comments? Is it simply a matter of exchanging officers? Why would this involve a uniquely bilateral relation between Canada and Pakistan? Why not convince the NATO countries of the appropriateness of taking part in this process? Considering that there are 30 nations belonging to NATO, I think we would be in a better position to soften Pakistan’s position, which at present is rather unclear.