[inaudible conversation] were going to get underway. I am richard and my day job at managing partner of an associates. I am also a member of the board of the center for the national interest. Both of these capacities and having spent time at both think tanks, i can tell you quite sincerely the lunches at the center for the National Interests are far better than the atlantic council. [laughter] to top off this excellent lunch, we have a great dessert and that is investor john who at its us today. To talk about the future of ukraine and ukraine and russia relations, we really couldnt have a better speaker. To address this issue. John at not only served as the Us Ambassador to ukraine, but as followed ukraine related issue for many years in his current capacity running his program, European Program at the atlantic council. Having a real indepth understanding or lets call it Eastern European and Central Asian affairs having not only served in ukraine but also in pakistan if im not mistaken