Dear Chris and Councillors Thank you for including time on your Sydney agenda for a report from the ccNSO-elected Directors - I look forward to that, which is always a good session I note that the time available may be too brief to discuss with you all the possible areas of interest facing the ccNSO. There are some very contentious matters before the board, or coming before the board, and although it is well understood that directors are not representatives, and certainly not delegates, it is helpful that some directors have a good understanding of the issues affecting cctlds and positions adopted by the ccNSO Council. You will be aware that there are strong feelings on the board about the need for contracts in relation to new TLDS, including idn ccTLDs. This has recently been highlighted in discussions concerning the possible use of wild cards in some prospective idn cctlds. The issue of fees, or cost contribution/cost recovery for new TLDs is also contentious. The Board has, as you may know, written to the GAC as decisions by the Board in relation to the treatment of geographic names in new TLDS ( particularly at the second level) are at variance with the original GAC advice on this - the Board has an obligation to attempt to resolve matters when it departs from GAC advice. The GAC position is similar in many respects to the ccNSO advice. I hope that there will be time in Sydney for me to spend time with the Council and the members to ensure I appreciate their perspectives on these and other topics. My bests Peter Dengate Thrush Chairman of the Board of Directors, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers +64 4 4998959 (DDI) +64 21499888 (mobile) +64 4 4710672 (fax)