In case some are still not on the Plenary WSIS list
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From: <wsis@iprolink.ch>
To: <plenary@wsis-cs.org>; <bureau@wsis-cs.org>
Cc: <wsis@ngocongo.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 11:37 PM
Subject: [CS Bureau] Summary of the B2B Meeting - 21 Sept. 2005
> Dear all,
>
> Just for your information, please find below a summary of the meeting between
> the CSB and the intergovernmental WSIS Bureau (21 Sept., 14:00-15:00).
>
> Best,
>
> Philippe Dam
>
>
> ========
>
>
> CSB Meeting with the WSIS inter-governmental Bureau
> 21 Sept. 2005
>
> Further to the invitation from Canada to make specific proposals for civil
> society integration in the on-going process, coordinators of the civil society
> tracks A and B presented some additional comments.
>
> Bertrand de la Chapelle specified that civil society would like to see that
> flexibility demonstrated so far should be used as much as possible for
> up-coming negotiations and to allow for a better interaction between civil
> society and governments.
>
> Adam Peake argued that civil society should participate in negotiation
drafting
> groups as silent observers.
>
> States answers to civil society discussion points raised by Civil Society
>
> 1. Mutli-Stakholder Approach
> The USA reminded its availability to enter in direct contact to discuss
> specific, and openly supported the presence in the negotiation room of civil
> society so that there is no surprise coming out of this process.
>
> Canada seconded the USA for better transparency of the process and to find a
> relevant way to hear the views of all stakeholders.
>
>
>
> Samir Labidi, permanent representative of Tunisia, stated that agreement must
be
> reached between all stakeholders and that Tunisia would do its best to ensure
> that all parts would get a positive result from the Summit. Further, he
> responded to CS concerns regarding internet connectivity, financing, immunity
> and Visas:
>
> 2. Connectivity at WSIS, Tunis
> Free Internet was not promised. As Tunisia connectivity costs are among the
> lowest in the world, internet connections at the Summit would be for the very
> cheapest price. 1000 computers would be set up in the Kram Center. A cybercafé
> would also be installed, where Internet connection would be free.
>
> 5. Financing of Civil Society
> The Tunisian pledge to commit 400.000 Dinars ($ 370.000) for civil society
> participation was reinsured, mainly for LDC participants and specific
> categories. In a few days, a document would be published stating the
> conditions. Ambassador Labidi mentioned the UNDP/ONUDI programme for civil
> society participation to be specified soon as well. Further, the delegate also
> welcomed the contribution of Belgium and appealed that other governments would
> also support CS participation with economic contributions.
>
> Charles Geiger added later on this issue that ITU has spent practically all
> money for fellowships at PrepCom-3. Therefore, unless ITU receive additional
> money from governments, there will be no ITU fellowships for civil society
> participation in the Summit.
>
> 8. Liaison with WSIS Executive Secretariat
> Immunity and Visas: Host Country Agreement will be signed on Friday Morning.
The
> document will guarantee visas free of charge and free movement on Tunisian
> territory to all participants mentioned in article two. Article four of the
> document deals with immunity.
> Charles Geiger clarified that Civil Society was mentioned in article two and
> included everywhere in the agreement.
>
>
> Charles Geiger, Executive Director of the WSIS ES, also stated that he foresaw
> transmission from Plenaries, High Level Panels and Roundtable discussions,
> whereas it would not be possible to transmit from the parallel events, as the
> transmissions are extremely costly.
>
>
> Finally, Renate Bloem on behalf of Civil Society also appealed for the help of
> governments to fund CS participation.
>
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>
>
>
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