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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=FR link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>Dear colleagues, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>The Iana contract has expired. ICANN's new bylaws, implementing our WS1 Recommendations, are now in place. This is a major milestone for the multistakeholder model, where communities are in charge, and where accountability is shared amongst all stakeholders. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>The events of the last few weeks have provided an excellent reminder, if we had ever needed some, of why this transition was required : we had all agreed that the Internet needs to be protected from partisan politics, post-truth rhetoric and interference from judiciary obstructions. In a way, we can thank those who have, almost to the point of risking exhaustion, tried everything they could to stop the transition. Their efforts have demonstrated the solidity of our principles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>The transition is also the beginning of a new phase. It is now incumbent upon all of us to live up to the shared accountability model. Our work stream 2 efforts are under way, and we have to demonstrate that we can still deliver improvements to ICANN's accountability, as part of the continuous improvement journey. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>Let's celebrate, because this has been a tremendous group effort ! As of now, we are writing a new chapter of ICANN's history, let's make it a story of commitment, collaboration and respect for each other ! And what better way to start than to double down on implementing the post transition model we have agreed on, and delivering concrete proposals for WS2 ?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>Thank you all for being part of this group, we look forward to continuing the great work ! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:FR'>Leon, Thomas & Mathieu<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:FR'>Co-chairs</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>