Hello Alistair,
Jonathan Nevett and I have examined this wording and propose that Council agree to the following new section 7 under the transparency article:
Notice and comment on gTLD agreement approvals "With respect to any proposed GTLD registry or registrar agreement that includes contractual provisions that would have an effect materially different from other past or current ICANN agreements, ICANN will notify the GNSO Council and post the proposed agreement for public comment on the ICANN website at least twenty-one days (and if practical, longer) prior to any final approval of the agreement."
Thanks for this proposal, and the work that you and Jon Nevett have put into it. Just to set expectations, we won't schedule this for decision at this week's Council meeting, but will discuss the proposal. To ensure that all constituencies have ample opportunity to consult with their members, we aim to have any proposals for voting available to the Council at least 7 days prior to the meeting. Regards, Bruce Tonkin