Mr. Speaker, the member asked whether I think NATO should be involved in a humanitarian role. I believe that whether it be military action or specific assistance, such as aiding in the distribution of food and other humanitarian actions, both should fit into the role of NATO. One cannot be done without the other in many respects. If it means having to move certain kinds of aid through a war torn area or to a war torn area, NATO has the power to assist, to protect and even to help distribute supplies. It certainly would have the power, as far as the military entity is concerned, to protect refugees who have no means of protecting themselves.
In the House of Commons on April 12th, 1999. See this statement in context.