Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Through you to the witnesses, thank you for appearing.
I'd like to carry on with the Soviet theme, although it's now a Russian theme. Historically, of course, there's been a tension. The reason for NATO's existence is...not in part, but it's a major role in the relationship between, shall we call it, the Siberian state now called Russia, and of course our increased desire to maintain a dialogue and to improve that dialogue.
There are exacerbating circumstances, in particular surrounding nuclear disarmament and the missile defence systems that are being contemplated by NATO and NATO nations, and the statement by...I believe it was the military chief's recent comments surrounding the ballistic missile defence system.
I wonder if you would comment on this pursuit of a stronger relationship vis-à-vis those relationships, or those recent issues, and how you see them progressing.