I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to express my dismay at the situation. We are hearing from two very important individuals and we have but three minutes to ask our questions and hear the answers. That doesn't make sense. We could discuss the matter later.
I have six questions, but I'm not asking you to answer. I would like you to send me your answers, in writing, because I feel that this is important.
You spoke about reconstruction. We, the members, are getting contradictory information. With NATO, I went to Faizabad and I did not see a great deal of reconstruction. I travelled to Kandahar with the Standing Committee on National Defence and, for security reasons, we were not allowed to leave the camp and see what was actually going on. I would like to know if there truly is reconstruction in Afghanistan and, if yes, where is this taking place. I find it very difficult to believe that much reconstruction is occurring in the Kandahar region, but I would like you to show us, on a map, where this reconstruction is taking place.
Let's talk about the survey. Earlier on, you talked about percentages. I would like to know what you think about the statements made by Gen. Richards, who for the past few months has been saying that if there is no change in attitude or in the mandate of the mission, 70% of the Afghans are going to be heading back to the Taliban.
My next question is for Mr. Appathurai. A little earlier you said that it was important that international organizations agree amongst themselves. I have just returned from Brussels and I don't understand why NATO and the European Union are incapable of agreeing with each other and are incapable of holding a meeting on an issue as important as Afghanistan. I would like you to explain, in writing, why you think this situation is occurring.
We talk about health services that have changed. However, the Senlis Council has just said that the Kandahar Hospital is really a place where people go to die, that is a place where people systematically die. You are telling us that things appear to have improved, but that does not seem to be the case. Once again, contradictory information.
Mr. Alexander, I would like you to talk to us about the amnesty. Currently, President Karzaï is grappling with the decision made by the Parliament to grant amnesty to many of the bandits whereas the international community is objecting. I would like to hear about the latest developments, I would like to know how that is going to work. We even heard that mollah Omar may be given amnesty and that he is being told that, if he ceases his involvement, he will now be part of Afghan society. I find it very difficult to understand some things.
Finally, let's talk about the 3D approach. It was confirmed to us in Kandahar that there are 2,500 soldiers, 6 Foreign Affairs representatives and 6 CIDA representatives. It seems to me that there truly is an imbalance in the mission's mandate. I would like to hear your opinion on the matter.
I heard the buzzard go off. I will expect your answers, in writing, in a few days time.