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

[Robert F. Connelly]

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 at gnso.icann.org
>[mailto:owner-registrars at gnso.icann.org] 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 at ausregistry.com.au
>Web: www.ausregistry.com.au