Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for giving me this opportunity to say, on behalf of the Canadian government, that we support the efforts of the UN envoy, Mr. Akashi.
The developments which occurred over the last few hours give us reason to believe that, although the truce will not be extended, fighting will not intensify. We, of course, made representations to the parties involved in the conflict, asking them to use some elementary restraint so that the situation does not deteriorate any further.
The position of UN peacekeeping forces is such that they can save lives among the population affected by the conflict. This is why Canada continues to support the UN's efforts to restore peace.