RE: [registrars] ICANN Morocco security concerns, relayed from Adrian Kinderis.

["Jeff Field" <jfield@xxxxxxxxx>]

Travel advisory or not, I found this on the following web page at the US
Dept of State:
 
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_975.html
 
SAFETY AND SECURITY A series of terrorist bombings took place in Casablanca
on May 16, 2003.  Although U.S. Government facilities were not the target of
the Casablanca attacks (and no Americans were killed or injured), the
potential for violence against American interests and citizens remains high
in Morocco.  Establishments, which are readily identifiable with the United
States, are potential targets for attacks.  These may include facilities
where US citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs,
restaurants, and places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and
other public areas.  Such targets may also include establishments where
activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or
places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed.
 
Jeff


  _____  

From: owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Nevett, Jonathon
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 2:35 PM
To: Registrars Constituency
Subject: FW: [registrars] ICANN Morocco security concerns, relayed from
Adrian Kinderis.



Posting from Michael Palage . . .

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael D. Palage [mailto:michael@xxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 3:29 PM
To: Nevett, Jonathon
Subject: FW: [registrars] ICANN Morocco security concerns, relayed from
Adrian Kinderis.

 

Jon

 

Please post this response to the registrar mailing list.

 

Best regards,

 

Michael

 

 

Adrian:

 

As the former chair of the ICANN Board Meetings Committee, I can tell

you that the local hosts have taken steps to provide enhanced security

in connection with the venue to address potential concerns of attendees.

I would also like to note that at least the USG has not included Morocco

on its list of travel advisories, see

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html.

 

I personally know of a friend (Westerner) that just returned from

Marrakesh and had no complaints. In fact I have thought seriously about

bring the whole family to this ICANN regional meeting.

 

With regard to the San Paolo venue. The venue site is located in a

corporate business park outside downtown, therefore the surroundings are

a lot less congested that the other downtown venues that were under

consideration.

 

With regard to the selection of venues, ICANN generally does not have

much discretion to choose between host venues, because in most instances

there is only one submission per region.  If ICANN was to charge for

attendance to the meetings, it might be possible to have a little more

discretion in choosing venue locations.

 

I hope this response addresses your concerns.

 

Best regards,

 

Michael

 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[mailto:owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Robert F. Connelly

Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 12:13 PM

To: Registrars Constituency

Subject: [registrars] ICANN Morocco security concerns, relayed from

Adrian Kinderis.

 

 

 

Registrars,

 

Just wanted to raise an issue to get your feedback;

 

Why does ICANN continually look to hold their conferences in

destinations that are potentially "risky" to travelers?

 

See this excerpt taken from the Australian government website;

 

Summary

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco because of

the high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests. We

continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against

a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. We

strongly advise you not to travel to the Western Sahara because of the

risk posed by landmines.

 

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Morocco

 

 

While I certainly understand the need for "outreach" and strongly

support making the internet available to all, surely the security of

those that are involved in the "process" must be considered.

 

What precautions are being taken by the hosts to mitigate any potential

risks?

 

Are there appropriate "emergency" plans in place for those attending the

conference should anything occur?

 

I will be attending, but would be comforted to know that security

had/has been considered both at the time of choosing the host city and

once we arrive.

 

Does anyone know who at ICANN we can ask to address our concerns

(assuming I am not the only one)?

 

P.S. I also note with the same sentiment that we are headed to Sao Paolo

soon...

 

Regards,

 

 

Adrian Kinderis

Managing Director

AusRegistry Group Pty Ltd

Level 6, 10 Queens Road

Melbourne. Victoria Australia. 3004

Ph: +61 3 9866 3710

Fax: +61 3 9866 1970

Email: adrian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Web: www.ausregistry.com.au