Dear WS 3 members, The Expert Working Group (EWG) released its initial report and recommendations - https://community.icann.org/display/WG/Explore+the+Draft+Next+Generation+gTL..., which address many of the issues raised by the WHOIS RT. Please note upcoming events that may be of interest: * A webinar<https://www.icann.org/en/about/learning/webinars/gtld-directory-services-24j...> on Monday, 8 July at 15:00-16:30 UTC: EWG will walk through the proposal and invite views and input from Community. * A consultation in Durban<http://durban47.icann.org/node/39627> on Monday, 15 July: EWG will present the outcome of their work and open the floor for any questions or feedback. Staff is working on responses to your follow up questions pertaining to the WHOIS implementation and will provide an update prior to Durban. Additionally, staff will coordinate a meeting in Durban with key WHOIS implementation staff and the members of WS 3. Best regards, Larisa B. Gurnick Consultant/Senior Director, Organizational Reviews Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) larisa.gurnick@icann.org<mailto:larisa.gurnick@icann.org> 310 383-8995