Participants: Izumi Aizu, Vittorio Bertola, Pierre Dandjinou, Roberto Gaetano, Xue Hong, Erick Iriarte Ahon, John Levine, Jacqueline Morris, Annette Muehlberg, Jean Armour Polly, Siavash Shahshahani, Denise Michel, Bruce Beckwith
Absent: Clement Dzidonu, Bret Fausett, Sebastián Ricciardi, Alice Wanjira-Munyua
Absent with reported conflict: Wendy Seltzer
Summary and action items:
Congratulations were extended to Denise Michel by the ALAC members for her recent promotion to Vice President of Policy for ICANN.
Liaison reports:
The following update on the WHOIS task force was sent via email by Wendy Seltzer:
The WHOIS task force has been meeting somewhat less frequently than in the past. Much of its recent discussion has focused on a proposal advanced by Ross Rader (Tucows, registrar constituency), to replace existing contacts of a WHOIS record with an "Operational Point of Contact" <http://code.byte.org/blog/_archives/2005/11/28/1426464.html>. The task force is assessing the necessity of access to each piece of data.
Roberto Gaetano gave an update about the recent ICANN Board retreat. The next steps from the strategic plan are to move to an operational plan. The Board is currently in the process of defining priorities for the operational plan. Main topics of discussion were the MoU, IANA, and the ccTLD agreements. In addition, the Board is not happy with the way physical meetings have evolved – there is too much work for board and not enough time with the community. The Board is working through the philosophy of the meetings, and options are being considered. There is also a focus by the Board on IDNs – how to implement internationalized domain names – in particular, how to move forward without breaking the current system. ICANN is looking to lead the way with a viable solution in order to minimize alternatives by groups whose solutions might not be interoperable. This should be a major discussion topic in Marrakech.
Xue Hong gave an update on IDNs. Since Wellington there have been discussions about IDN tests, but the registry constituency is resisting the tests. Delays are also attributed to the production of IDN documents. There will be two IDN meetings in Marrakech, one to brief the GAC and a more technically oriented public session. The suggestion was made that Hong contact Tina Dam regarding involvement by ALAC in the IDN public session.
Erick Iriarte Ahon gave an update on the ccNSO, which is currently working through the accountability agreement framework and reviewing the DENIC agreement.
Marrakech Meeting Logistics:
Xue Hong is experiencing challenges in obtaining a visa. It was noted that the Marrakech sponsors have a link on the web site to get in touch with them to assist getting a visa.
ALAC members will get together for a dinner on Saturday, 24 June at 19:00.
A discussion about the scheduling of meetings for the ALAC and RALO was held. A concern was voiced that we do not get through all of the issues that need to be discussed.
Pierre Dandjinou agreed to represent the ALAC in the Welcome to ICANN meeting that will be held on 25 June. An ALAC member from the region where the ICANN meeting is held typically participates.
In addition, Pierre has performed outreach within Africa to generate interest in meeting in Marrakech, and has not received feedback.
The discussion expanded to include how to elicit participation by ALS’, including attendance at ICANN meetings. Is funding required to defray the costs for ALS members to attend?
Siavash Shahshahani requested a copy of the MP3 file for the APRALO conference call.
Discussion then moved to the meeting between the ALAC members and ICANN Board. The timeframe will be determined as the agenda is further developed. Roberto will send a note to the ALAC members with suggestions on improving communication between the ALAC and the Board. In addition, the ALAC will need to determine what the topics should be when meeting with the Board.
An update was given on the project to detail how ICANN policies affect user experiences.
Siavash has volunteered for the policy coordination role for ALAC.
Jean Armour Polly has volunteered for the communication coordination role for ALAC. Jean has also volunteered to help with voting issues, as well as be the substitute chair in the event that Annette is not available.
Hong has determined that the ICANN Wiki web site (as well as all “wiki” sites) are not accessible in China.
Brandon Sanders of icannwiki.org was then connected to the call.
One possible solution to the blocked ICANNWiki site from China is to allow communication via email. Brandon will investigate the feasibility.
The ALAC self assessment should assess ALACs mandate, as defined. Any changes to the ALAC mandate would come from the ICANN Board. Production of a document may include dissenting opinions by ALAC members on what the mandate should be.
Brandon left the call at this point.
As a final point, there will be an announcement in Marrakech that at there will be another soccer tournament in Sao Paulo.
Next conference call is scheduled for 10 August.
Remaining conference call schedule for 2006:
10 August
04 September
05 October
06 November
All calls begin at 13:30 UTC.
