Mr. Speaker, as we go about our business here today, conflict continues to escalate in the lands of the former Yugoslavia.
Four years ago it was civil war in Bosnia. Today it is civil war in Kosovo. In both cases Canada and its NATO allies have determined that these conflicts are incompatible with our shared desire for European stability. The concern that the war in Kosovo might spread beyond the borders is very real. The fear of yet another humanitarian disaster in the Balkans is pressing upon us.
Under these conditions NATO interventions are necessary. We all know that efforts to resolve the war in Kosovo through peaceful means have so far failed. We cannot turn aside from the task that is before us, lest the flickering of this small war becomes a firestorm that engulfs the entire region.
I know the House will join me in telling the members of the Canadian forces that the hopes and prayers of all Canadians go with them as they once again are called on to serve our country.