Dear All,

There are some real issues around the Whois Review that need to be resolved, sooner rather than later, in order to make our process work. It requires constructive collaboration among the appointed Members, and close work with supporting ICANN staff. And it needs to be clear that this Review is to carry out its tasks led by the appointed Members, supported by the ICANN staff.

In particular, two things need to be done, in my view:

- I am deeply concerned about the unexpected scheduling by ICANN staff of a full day Whois meeting during the Cartagena ICANN meeting, plus a public session, without having consulted the selected Members first, not even during the two meetings we already had (on 10/13 and 10/20). I do not think this is the way the process should be run;

- We do need support to set up the meeting in London, on which we did agree. As quickly as possible the following things should be arranged by ICANN Staff to ensure that as many selected Members as possible can be present during this meeting we agreed on, in principle, earlier:

o A doodle of dates – combining a two-day combo of weekdays and Friday/Saturday covering most of the second and third week of January to see what dates are best for the most number of RT  people.

o Guidance from ICANN  to Sharon Lemon regarding the minimum and maximum remote participation requirements the other review teams have used, allowing her the time and opportunity to check that the Docklands can provide the accommodations that allows this to take place, effectively;

o Quickly organize a block of rooms at a hotel nearby the Docklands for the Review Team and Staff, and make reservations for dinner on arrival night and the evening between the two days of meetings;

Considering all this, I also don’t see how I can effectively function as a Chair. What I can bring to the table is structure to the content discussion, ensure fairness, depth and outreach. However, what is needed from the Chair right now is getting a positive and constructive process in place and ensuring the independence of the RT, and I herewith withdraw my offer to function as Chair.

My commitment to participate as a member of our team and work hard on our core issues, of course, remains.

In closing, just because the Whois issues are difficult and controversial does not mean that our relations have to be. If we can find a way out of this difficult issue by, then we will have done our job. Nobody said it would be easy, but if we try together in a positive, constructive way, it can be done, well. It requires commitment and willingness to listen to each other, and to talk from insights, rather than from positions.  It also requires a strong commitment from ICANN to actively support, but not lead.

Let’s work together and make this full, fair and robust review happen – together.

Best wishes,

Kathy Kleiman

Kathy Kleiman

Director of Policy

.ORG The Public Interest Registry

1775 Wiehle Avenue, Suite 200

Reston, Virginia 20190  USA

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Mobile: +1 703 371-6846 | Fax: +1 703.889.5779  

E:  kkleiman@pir.org       |  W:  www.pir.org

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