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

["Robert F. Connelly" <BobC@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 11:39 AM 4/26/06, Michael D. Palage wrote:
> Bob:
>
> 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