Dear WG Members: You may be interested in the following. In particular, you may wish to consider the following closing sentence of the GAC statement in the context of the working group's continuing work on the new gTLD process: "*The GAC looks forward to receiving comments on proposed methodology from interested supporting organizations and advisory committees and ultimately from the Board."* --- GAC Response to Geographic Terms Protection 24 April 2009 In accordance with the 6 March, 2009 ICANN Board resolution, the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) responded to ICANN's 17 March, 2009 letter regarding Protection for Geographic Terms in New gTLDs (http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-06mar09.htm#08). The resolution was in response to ICANN's requests for GAC assistance regarding implementation of New gTLD's and in particular the treatment of applications for certain geographic place names. The GAC issued this timely reply in accordance with the ICANN Board resolution. (http://www.icann.org/correspondence/karklins-to-twomey-24apr09.pdf [PDF, 96K]) The Board requested a final report from the GAC by 25 May, 2009. -- -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director for At-Large Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Tel: +33 (450) 42 81 83 USA Tel: +1 (310) 301-8637 Fax: : +41 (22) 594-85-44 Mobile: (Switzerland): +41 79 595 5468 email: nick.ashton-hart@icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart@hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart@mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart