Report

Introduction

A delegation of four parliamentarians representing the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas travelled to Cartagena, Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia, from February 6 to 13, 2015. The delegation was led by the Honourable Michael MacDonald, Senator; also participating were the Honourable Jim Munson, Senator, Mr. Earl Dreeshen, M.P., and Mr. LaVar Payne, M.P. The parliamentarians were assisted by Mr. Alexandre Roger, Association Secretary to the Canadian Section.

The objectives of the bilateral visit were to cultivate positive inter-parliamentary relations between Colombia and Canada, to further the dialogue regarding trade and investment opportunities with Colombia, and to gain a better understanding of the social, public safety, and human rights challenges faced by Colombia.

Despite their geographic distance, Colombia and Canada continue to seek out opportunities to engage and strengthen their long-standing ties.  Colombia is Canada’s fifth-largest bilateral trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico). The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on August 15, 2011, has substantially enhanced the trade relationship between the two countries.  Colombia and Canada also cooperate and work closely together in regional and multilateral organizations, including the Organization of American States (OAS). The close ties between Colombia and Canada are further underscored by frequent visits between its citizens. High-level bilateral interactions have been frequent, including a visit by Governor General David Johnston to Colombia in early December 2014.

ParlAmericas performs an important role in the hemisphere, seeking to encourage the sharing of experiences and best practices amongst its members. It works to strengthen the role of legislatures in democratic development; promote harmonization of legislation; and increase hemispheric integration and sustainable, harmonious development in the region. This bilateral visit provided the Canadian delegation with an invaluable opportunity to cultivate positive inter-parliamentary relations between Canadian and Colombian parliamentarians. It also allowed the Canadian delegation to engage in frank and focused discussions with decision-makers in the region, to gain a clearer picture of the status of Canadian interests, to advance Canadian interests and values, and to acquire a more complete comprehension of the issues and challenges faced by citizens in Colombia.

A.   Briefing breakfast with the Canadian Ambassador to Colombia

On February 7, 2015, the Canadian delegation met with the Canadian Ambassador to Colombia for a breakfast at the Radisson Hotel in Bogotá.  Attending the dinner were Ms. Carmen Sylvain, Ambassador of Canada to Colombia, and embassy staff responsible for consulate, political, trade, immigration and security matters (including RCMP officers working in Colombia). Delegates were provided with an informal briefing on Canadian-Colombian relations, the work of the embassy and issues of importance in Colombia.

It was noted that Canadian-Colombian relations remain strong. Embassy staff provided brief overviews of the work done in the different policy fields covered by the embassy.  In terms of immigration, the visa program for regular travellers between the two countries arose as a topic of discussion, and the delegation was given a status update which included recent developments and existing challenges such as biometric fees. It was noted that extractive industries and environmental impacts still remain a concern for Colombia. The embassy also mentioned the issue of the current peace process talks in Havana, Cuba. Trade figures of note were provided to the delegation, along with information concerning the political landscape in Colombia, consular services, criminality and public safety, and the labour sector. Specific questions from the delegation concerned subjects such as education, human rights and internal conflict. Discussions also focused on drug trafficking and noted a decrease in cocaine production.

B.   Site visit to Sociedad Portuaria Regional Cartagena and CONTECAR Ports

On February 7, 2015, the delegation undertook a site visit to the Sociedad Portuaria Regional Cartagena (SPRC) and CONTECAR Ports.

Prior to touring the site, the delegation was given a briefing by SPRC on commerce, projects, security and control systems, and human resources. The presentations underlined the impact of the Panama expansion, the mega vessels coming to the port and the need to prepare to increase flow in different phases. The geography of the Cartagena Bay was noted as being sheltered, wide, deep and safe. More than 50 terminals currently operate in the bay, with the biggest electric and semi-automatic cranes found worldwide. Current support from the United States allows for increased security, while all expansion is funded privately. No railways connect to the port; all containers are shipped by truck. The port also serves as a hub since not all incoming containers are bound for Colombia. Information technology plays a big role in increasing productivity and security as well as limiting the use of paper.

The Colombian national police (DIRAN) briefed the delegation on narcotics smuggling methods used at ports and other smuggling methods used by drug traffickers. It was noted that the Colombian national police operate in many port facilities in Cartagena. DIRAN explained that container contamination was taken seriously by the port authorities. The delegation was told that controls prevent contamination within the yard in Cartagena. Methods of hiding contaminants were discussed at length as well as how the authorities counter these contamination techniques.

C.   Meeting with members of Congress from Antioquia

On the morning of February 9, 2015, the delegation met with Paola Holguín, Senator  (Centro Democrático), and Germán Alcides Blanco Alvarez, MP (Conservative) and 1st Vice-President ParlAmericas, to get their views on challenges and opportunities in their region.

Discussions started on the limited number of legal mining companies in Colombia and attacks on these companies by rebel groups, which is counterproductive in terms of respecting international regulations for environment mining and promoting social responsibility. The delegation also underlined that it expected Canadian companies abroad to respect international regulations. The delegation pointed to Canada's own commitment to reclaim land in Alberta’s oil sands region.

The members of Congress noted that all forms of mining, are important to the Colombian economy. The important issue for Colombia is how to shift from illegal mining to legal operations, and discussions ensued on how Canada can support this initiative. Discussions touched on programs to seek out small-scale illegal miners in a region and train them in legal operations. Legislation and regulations are currently in place to fight illegal mining, but there is limited capacity to take real action; Colombia, according to a member of Congress, needs more police and a greater military presence in these regions. It was noted that, in the past, Canada has had a bad reputation with respect to big international mining, especially in Colombia. This could limit Canada's positive action and influence to help Colombia's mining sector. Still, as practices evolve and mining operations become more environmentally conscious, Canada must better communicate its positive message about the work that is done and the positive changes that have been made.

The delegation highlighted the importance of infrastructure, education and health. It also noted that Canada invests in education in Colombia, which underlines how much Canadians value the importance of education. Technology developed in Canada was also discussed, specifically the technology used in the oil sands. This technology would allow for positive development and enhanced trade between both countries because of the geographic proximity of Colombian ports. It was also suggested that agricultural techniques developed in Canada could be applied in Colombia. Technologies could be provided for food safety, security and modified crops to increase yield and quality. Colombian Congress members agreed that technologies would be welcomed as well as infrastructure such as roads. Currently, all goods inside Colombia are shipped by truck, which is of concern given the Colombian landscape.

Discussions ensued about the importance of ParlAmericas and the need to share ideas which can then be brought back and debated in each individual parliament. The members of Congress discussed the peace process in Colombia, FARC and illegal drug trafficking. It was noted that if FARC is recognized as a terrorist organization, negotiation might become nearly impossible. To demobilize such organizations, noted one member, justice must sometimes be sacrificed to some extent. However, those who have committed crimes cannot become politicians once demobilized. Colombia needs to establish justice and bring the State to every corner of the country, as some areas are still not controlled by the State. With justice comes security, which is why Colombia needs international support.

D.   Meeting with Proantioquia

Later during the morning of February 9, 2015, the Canadian delegation obtained an overview of the investment climate in the region from Proantioquia, a foundation established by the business community in Antioquia to promote development and competitiveness in the region. Proantioquia is a non-profit, privately operated foundation working to promote development and competitiveness in the Department of Antioquia.

Canadian Ambassador to Colombia, Carmen Sylvain, and Senator MacDonald provided guidance on some key Canadian organizations which could be of interest to Proantioquia, including United Way, CEO Council and Start-Up Canada among others.

E.   Meeting with Canadian company Red Eagle Mining

On the afternoon of February 9, 2015, the delegation met with individuals representing Red Eagle Mining, a Canadian company operating in Colombia. The meeting took place at the company’s office in Medellín.

Director Robert W. Bell opened the meeting. Mr. Bell discussed the ongoing work of acquiring environmental permits and pointed to the fact that discussions with the government in Colombia are positive. Following public consultation, it was decided that the operation would be an underground mine rather than an open pit mine. Current feedback from environmental agencies is positive and, with the help of the Canadian embassy, the company is putting in place social programs which it is looking at expanding.

Following Mr. Bell’s opening remarks, the delegation heard a presentation on the environmental preservation of the San Ramon mine project. The presentation touched on how the project respected Colombian legislation as well as international standards, establishing environmental and social baselines, impact and evaluation, environmental management plans, contingency plans, and a closure and recovery plan. The project also respects the International Cyanide Management Code for gold mining. Licences are needed for things like biodiversity assessment, sewage permission and access authorization by land owners.

The delegation then heard a presentation on corporate social responsibility. The aim is to protect the company’s reputation, receive social acceptance to operate, and ensure long-term sustainability by strengthening and responsibly managing the company’s relations with its stakeholders, starting with the recognition of their needs, expectations and capabilities, and the adoption of mutually beneficial practices. The objectives of social responsibility include the protection, respect and promotion of human rights in all the company’s activities; the strengthening of relations of mutual responsibility based on an open, honest and transparent dialogue; and finally the promotion of regional development with communities, government and other stakeholders. To date, there have been no complaints and no lawsuits. The main difficulty facing the mining company is to change mining’s negative reputation, which requires better communication. Socially responsible mining is not well known in Colombia, and communities are still very hesitant and skeptical. Red Eagle Mining currently works with NGOs and communities to listen to the concerns of Colombian citizens in the area.

Following the presentation, discussions ensued about the positive image this company is giving to the Colombian mining sector. This project is a prototype and will serve as a model to sustainable mining and further development in the future. Red Eagle Mining seeks to partner with, not replace, the State. Ultimately the goal is to help government with its responsibility in the area.

F.    Presentation by the Coordinator of the Regional Office of the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia/Organization of American States

On the morning of February 10, 2015, the Canadian delegation was given a presentation by the Coordinator of the Regional Office of the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia/Organization of American States, known by its Spanish acronym MAPP/OEA.

The mandate of the MAPP/OEA is the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration into civilian life of ex-combatants under processes involving transitional justice, land restitution, integral reparation and reconciliation, among others. In December 2014, the mission's mandate was renewed until 2018.

The Coordinator provided data on the demobilization and reintegration of combatants into society, and described the principal sources of financing for FARC-ELN and for BACRIM. According to the presentation, there are 6 million victims, representing 10% of Colombia's population.

The Coordinator also noted that Canada donated $9.2 million to MAPP/OEA, which makes Canada the largest donor in the Organization of American States.

G.   Visit to Ciudadela Nuevo Occidente (comuna) and meeting with leaders and victims of the armed conflict

On the morning of February 10, 2015, the Canadian delegation also met with victims of the armed conflict to learn about their experiences first-hand.

The discussions showed how the situation has evolved and how women are now more empowered and are able to talk about violence and sexual violence, proof of which is their presence at this meeting. The women explained that they bear no hatred and want no revenge. They want to know the truth about the disappearances of family members so that they can move on. The women identified what was needed in order to be able to move forward with their lives after being victimized. Firstly, access to psycho-social services is required. Having lived through these experiences, the women have their own proposals on how to solve the situation but, unfortunately, they feel they are not being heard.

The delegates asked various questions and showed much interest. Firstly, they were interested in hearing about the state of security for the victims today. The answer was that threat assessment takes too long, and people are vulnerable while the assessment is being carried out. The general consensus of these victims is that the State currently does not guarantee their security. Another question touched on the progress made toward justice and truth. The victims agreed that some facts have been shared with them, but not all information has been divulged. Some bodies have been found, but not enough. In terms of justice, the victims worry about the criminals currently in jail who will apply for parole. The feeling is that sentences are not long enough. The victims agreed that reconciliation was needed in order to achieve complete truth and justice.

The delegation was also interested in generational criminals. Given that the conflict has spanned 60 years and many generations, the delegates asked if victims become criminals. The victims replied that victimized children do not necessarily become criminals themselves. However, the children of those who are brought to justice usually do.  Prevention is key, and the victims’ main work is on prevention. Delegates also asked what victims thought of the current peace talks in Havana. They answered that they fear the talks will break down and the groups will rearm. This would in turn lead to additional disappearances and threats.

H.   Meeting with Agencia Colombiana de Reintegración (ACR) and demobilized women in the process of reintegration

Later that same morning, the delegation met with the Agencia Colombiana de Reintegración and had a chance to speak directly to demobilized women who are in the process of reintegration.

A presentation was given which touched on the steps for reintegration in Colombia and a strategy for reconciliation. Several key dimensions of reintegration were discussed, namely, family, education, security, social support, work and mental health. On this last point, ACR gave various figures about mental health support services and the types of mental health issues normally faced by these support services.

After the presentation, the delegation met several members of groups who have demobilized and discussed their experiences. Some noted that they pursued their education and that ACR gave economic aid to establish businesses following reintegration. Through these talks, the delegation gained an appreciation of the complexities faced by victims of the armed conflict and ex-combatants. In particular, they learned that there were numerous reasons (lifestyle, victimization at home, lack of opportunities, etc.) that led women to join guerrilla/paramilitary groups, but the decision to demobilize was almost exclusively motivated by family reasons, mostly related to children.

I.      Working lunch with Insight Crime

On February 10, 2015, the Canadian delegation held a working lunch with the Director of Insight Crime. Insight Crime is a foundation dedicated to the study of organized crime, which it considers to be the principal threat to national security and public safety in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its mandate is to seek, deepen and inform the debate about organized crime in the Americas by providing the public with regular reporting, analysis and investigation on the subject and on state efforts to combat it.

The parliamentarians obtained insights into the peace process taking place in Havana from the Director of Insight Crime, who predicts a crisis. As negotiations advance, he explained, topics become more difficult and agreements become harder to achieve. The Director noted that negotiations have so far been limited to finding common ground and that no concrete measures have been announced. The guerrilla groups have good financial and human resources and have not been defeated. Insight Crime predicts that, in order to reach a peace settlement, some land will need to be given to these groups.

While some groups have handed over their arms, new groups have taken their place and have taken over as the main perpetrators of violence. It is the position of Insight Crime that the guerrillas cannot be defeated militarily without committing human rights abuses.

The delegation was told that Insight Crime’s answer to the conflict is to give the guerrillas positions in government and in Congress. The delegation was also told that the changes that have taken place in Colombia regarding urban development and security cannot be ignored. Colombians are very resilient and it was noted how businesses in the country have been operating in the midst of civil conflict for many years.

J.    Briefing on the human rights situation in Colombia with representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

On the morning of February 11, 2015, the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas received a briefing from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the status of human rights in Colombia.

The Commissioner noted that the Colombian population is accustomed to civil war but pointed out that the conflict has evolved in such a way that urban human rights defenders are being targeted less than in the past. However, there are still ten times more killings of these defenders in rural areas.

One positive point is that President Santos and his government speak favourably of activism. To this end, Colombia invests millions to provide protection in the form of police guards and armoured vehicles. There is a clear and conscious effort by the State to protect human rights activists. However, the High Commissioner noted that in 2014, there have been no convictions in relation to threats and killings. In 2013, there was one conviction. In 2012, there were no convictions. While the ability to prosecute and investigate is there, there are too few convictions. This illustrates a contradiction: The government wants to protect, but political interests impede this progress.

The High Commissioner brought up the problem of dealing with past human rights situations. This is a particularly hard question because human rights violations have been committed by both sides of the conflict. FARC, for example, recruits children between the ages of 12 and 16. In some instances, the parents wanted them to join because FARC is, in reality, the government in that area. On the other hand, there is the issue of false positives, where the military killed innocent people who had nothing to do with the rebels and dressed them up in rebel colours. The High Commissioner noted 16,331 of these cases.

There is also a need to reform Parliament and make it comply with its own constitution. Some military officials are still being promoted based on their illegal activities. Parliament would need to promote human rights over politics, which is not currently the case. Part of the issue is that members of Congress are generally at ease with the status quo.

However, it was noted that the overall human rights situation has improved in Colombia. Violations by the State have decreased and the number of intentional violations has also decreased.

In closing, the High Commissioner explained that criminal groups still commit the most human rights violations in Colombia. Those who have been trained in these violations simply continue to violate human rights today. Massacres continue in Antioquia, for example, and children are still being recruited. These are just a few examples of the many violations by criminal groups in Colombia taking place at the present time.

K.   Discussion with the Canada Colombia Chamber of Commerce

In the late morning of February 11, 2015, the delegation attended a round table with the Canada Colombia Chamber of Commerce (CCCC).

Firstly, the delegation received an overview of the extractive sector in Colombia. The presentation underlined the delay in issuing permits, which in turn delays development, investments and royalties for Canadian mining companies. In terms of social responsibility, the burden has shifted to businesses. The presenter explained that continued investment requires clear government policy for these industries, support for company rights, and better communication strategies by the industry about current good practices.

The delegation was then briefed on Colombia’s infrastructure. The presenter noted that road infrastructure is far from being adequate in Colombia, which causes transportation costs to be very high. The geography of the country makes it extremely difficult. None of the previous governments have been able to launch the projects that had been planned. High risks make it difficult to obtain bank financing. Environmental permits are also delayed and have limited project implementation. One of the remaining risks is the foreign exchange rate for the Colombian peso, which can dramatically increase the price of any given project. The proposed solution would be investment in hedge funds.

Following the infrastructure presentation, the delegation received a presentation on trade and business opportunities. The presentation touched on import and export numbers, the effect of the free trade agreement on these numbers, and foreign direct investment.

The delegation also received a briefing on the agricultural sector in Colombia. The briefing included a short explanation of Colombia’s geography, which is composed of mountains and plains. Coffee, banana, flowers, potatoes, palm oil and sugar cane are grown mainly in the mountains. Coca is grown mainly at the base of the mountains and closer to Venezuela. Of interest, the plains in the southern region are being considered for the post-conflict era. Millions of hectares are not currently being used, and the potential for agriculture in this area is enormous.

L.    Roundtable with human rights NGOs

On the afternoon of February 11, 2015, the delegation met with representatives of three different non-governmental human rights organizations.

Discussions included such topics as human rights killings, impunity, corruption and sexual violence. While human rights defenders expect to receive government protection, in most cases arrives too late. Current peace talks in Havana and the structural causes of the conflict were also discussed, as was the need to include labour unions in the peace process. Without labour harmony, the NGOs argued, peace is not possible.

The risks to indigenous populations were also discussed. It was noted that they are a very vulnerable group who can be trapped and threatened easily. There is also a high risk of forced displacement among indigenous groups. The NGOs noted how indigenous populations are often forgotten. Once peace is achieved and development comes to their regions, they are at risk of being displaced.

The delegation was interested in who is responsible for killing unionists, journalists and human rights defenders and how to protect them. The NGOs responded that the military is in part responsible, as are private security groups. In fact, it could be anyone. If the individuals are told not to talk and they do, they are at risk. In some cases the Canadian embassy has worked with NGOs to reduce the higher risks that accompany the increased time needed for protection. The NGOs noted that a threat study should be done before an actual threat is made, especially in the case of human rights defenders who will inevitably be targeted.

M.   Meetings with members of Congress from the Second Commission

On February 12, 2015, the delegation met with the Foreign Trade Commission of the House of Representatives of Colombia at the Capitolio Nacional. The delegation had the opportunity to broaden and deepen inter-parliamentarian links with their counterparts in Colombia’s Congress, meeting with representatives of the Second Commission (Trade Commission). Colombian counterparts included Jimmy Chamorro Cruz, chairman of the Second Commission; Nidia Marcela Osorio Salgado, vice-chair of the Second Commission; Marco Aníval Avirama Avirama, member; Teresita García Romero, VP of the Senate Chamber; and Carlos Fernando Galán, member.

At the beginning of the session, and reflecting the key nature of the issue, the President of the Second Commission enquired about Canada’s position vis-à-vis the Havana process. Senator MacDonald responded that Canada was in full support of Colombia’s efforts to negotiate a peaceful conclusion to the conflict and that Prime Minister Harper had already held discussions with President Santos regarding how Canada could provide assistance.

Discussions ensued on Colombia’s economic development, which is among the best in Latin America. Oil production has again surpassed 1 million barrels per day. Colombia has comprehensive plans for investment in infrastructure and has a welcoming regime for foreign investment. Canada’s delegation noted Canadian interest in investment frameworks that provide certainty and efficiency, and that allow responsible natural resource development and agriculture that generates wealth for the State. Congress members noted that Colombia now has more money for education and infrastructure to connect various cities than for defence and explained that these are integral parts of the post-peace process. There is an effort to bring the State and basic services to all areas in Colombia.

Delegates agreed that future areas of cooperation could include initiatives to increase transparency, the fight against corruption and election financing. The Canadian delegation also extended an invitation to its Colombian counterparts to come to Canada and continue the discussions.

N.   Working lunch with Farid Benavides, professor at the Universidad de los Andes

On the afternoon of February 12, 2015, the delegation met with Farid Benavides, Professor at the Universidad de los Andes and former Deputy Minister of Justice, to get an in-depth briefing on the challenges of implementing a transitional justice framework if a peace agreement is signed with the guerrillas.

Mr. Benavides explained to the delegation that the rebel groups in Colombia do not want to be recognized as having committed crimes against humanity, but rather as political criminals. Since a political criminal is a victim of the State, there is a distinction to be made between the terms and this has an impact on what will become of them after the peace talks.

Mr. Benavides made the case for congressional representation for rebel groups following the peace process. However, in his view, rebel group members who have committed serious and heinous crimes should not be elected to Congress immediately. One option would be to agree to bar these individuals from office for a certain period of time. Part of the problem is that these people have never acted in a democratic way and do not understand how democracy works.

Land mines are another problem to be addressed after the peace talks. The rebel groups that have used mines have not noted where they deployed them. Since the mines are not easily detectible, this is a problem worth identifying early in order to find a solution.

O.   Briefing with Fundación Plan on children and youth-related issues

On the morning of February 13, 2015, the delegation met with Gabriela Bucher, President and CEO of Fundación Plan, to discuss the impact of the armed conflict on children and youth and the issue of gender-based sexual violence in conflicts.

President Bucher noted that in 2005, children and youth was one of five development sectors to receive financial assistance from Canada and that the Colombian program is a leader in child and youth development. The delegation was also informed that FARC had announced on February 12, 2015, that it would cease recruiting individuals under 17 years of age. However, the children already in the groups will remain there, so the true impact of this new policy will not be felt for many years, as the individuals become adults and only if the policy is maintained.

The delegation was also informed that 14,000 children had been recruited to date and that most guerrilla group members had been recruited as children. The issue with recruiting children is that if the children leave the group, the families do not always welcome them back, and the children end up in a situation where they are not wanted by either side.

Plan Colombia works mainly on prevention with local governments and community groups to monitor what the local government has committed to do, and develop policies. Elections remain a particular problem in terms of policy development, as elected officials change and the work done with the past officials is lost. The solution is to engage the communities and not just local government.

It was noted that there is clearly still forced recruitment of children in the schools. Very few children, if any, are born in the guerrilla groups. Often women in the groups are forced to have sexual relations and then forced to have abortions. Parents don't always understand how sexual exploitation is degrading and harmful to the individual.

P.   Meeting with Mariana Sarasti Montoya, Deputy Minister of International Trade

Later in the morning of February 13, 2015, the delegation was given a presentation by the Executive Director of ProColombia, and delegates met with Mariana Sarasti Montoya, Deputy Minister of International Trade from the Ministry of Trade.

The presentation focused on the investment environment and business opportunities in Colombia and included data on ProColombia’s offices around the world as well as inside Colombia. The Executive Director compared Colombia’s expected gross domestic product, purchasing power and inflation with those of other Latin American countries. Delegates were also told that Colombia was officially invited to initiate the process to become a full member of the OECD and they learned about the many trade agreements Colombia has negotiated with more than 45 countries. The presentation ended with information on declining rates of homicide and poverty, the rise of the middle class, the number of women in managerial positions and the growth of Colombia’s exports to Canada. For the purpose of the presentation, the middle class was defined as households whose income was double the minimum wage.

Following the presentation by the Executive Director of ProColombia, the Canadian delegation noted great opportunities to increase trade in various sectors, namely information and communications technology. Other issues raised were spirits (the Deputy Minister noted it is an outstanding trade irritant that is being addressed in the National Development Plan) and mobility. The Ambassador summarized the improvements in visa processing over the past years.  The meeting provided an opportunity to demonstrate that there is a greater interest in increasing Colombian investment in Canada and that there are opportunities to pursue activities between ProColombia and the embassy’s trade team.  The parliamentarians noted great opportunity for bilateral trade and indicated that they would follow up with their business constituents. The embassy committed to connect with regional networks in Canada to facilitate introductions as additional follow-up. This work has since been completed.

 

Respectfully submitted,