WWTLD ANNOUNCEMENT

[WWTLD <wwtld@ripe.net>]

Dear All,

Apologies for any duplications.

Please feel free to distribute further. 


WWTLD ANNOUNCEMENT

18 August 1998

The  World Wide Alliance of TLD Registries (WWTLD) announced at the opening 
plenary of the Asia-Pacific International Forum on the White Paper (AP-IFWP) 
that over 100 TLD registries had become signatories to its initial position 
paper <www.canarie.ca/tld>.

WWTLD is to be established in co-operation with the regional ccTLD groups: 
CENTR <www.ripe.net/centr> and APTLD <http://www.apng.org/apcctld/>

The WWTLD aims to promote dialogue between TLD registries and create a forum 
for exchange of information, views and ideas. It also intends to represent TLD 
registries and lobby on their behalf.   A brief Msssion Statement for WWTLD 
appears at the end of this mail.

The WWTLD held a meeting immediately prior to the AP-IFWP meeting where it was 
formally stated that the WWTLD would remain an informal association, for the 
moment, and would function in a completly open and transparent fashion as per 
traditional Internet practices. Additionally, it was clarified that the WWTLD 
does not expect to be the only group represented in a NAMES COUNCIL
as defined in the Postel or NSI proposals.

Now that the TLD administrators have confirmed their interest in supporting 
the concept of the WWTLD the signatories will be asked to formally join the 
WWTLD Association.


***************
Mission Statement

The World wide Alliance of Top Level Domains (wwTLD) is  an informal 
association for the administrators of top level domain registries.

The initial aims  of the association are:

To provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas. 

To  engage in concerted action on issues of common concern.

To represent the interests and views of TLD registries and lobby on their 
behalf.

To provide a channel of communication for liaison with other groups.

To provide support to new and emerging registries. 

To cooperate with and facilitate liaison between regional ccTLD groups and 
assist other TLDs in forming regional groups.

To nominate TLD representatives in respect of the new structure formed to 
replace IANA.

********************
Kilnam Chon (Korea)
Fay Howard (CENTR)
Bernard Turcotte (Canada)