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Re: [hr-wsis] Speakers for the Summit / my position on nominations from Tunisia
I'm surprised by your comment.
should i respond or not...well, i'll try to be brief.
My statement, if you quote me in context - Is that I am shaking in
disbelief that names of well known Tunisian govt. supporters are
being proposed as speakers (by CS) for the summit.
The statement of the WEOG group (given by Canada) at the prepcom
clearly indicates a grave concern that the Tunisian govt and its
agents are not engaging in the spirit of the Geneva principles. See
<http://wsis.civiblog.org/blog/_archives/2005/10/1/1273764.html>
Might I note that the Canadian delegate's microphone mysteriously
got cut off for 5-10 seconds when she started mentioning Tunisia . A
point that should not be lost. Free speech has been limited at the
prepcom, as it will at the summit. no doubt about it..
In regards to my earlier email, one where I comment on Tunisian
speakers for the summit - I am of the view that engaging in a
negotiated compromise is dangerous. Needing to give spots to 2-3
Tunsians in order to have the rest of our selections approved, well,
is for me, problematic.
Speaking slots should be allotted based on merit, speaking
experience, involvement in Information Society issues, and engagement
in the WSIS process. Most of the speakers to be recommended will fall
in this criteria. So we'll be ok. However, when it comes to Tunisian
speakers - an equal chance should be given to those who have been
involved in the WSIS process. Human Rights defenders from Tunisia
have organized events at the prepcoms, events in Tunisia, and
contributed to many research studies on the real state of the
information society in the country. Have they been recommended as
speakers - no.
If CS puts forward a set of Tunisian names vs. others, it will lead
to a discussion that will go on, on and on. If we are to put forward
names, then they should be representative of both sides. If that
compromise is not possible, then the "safest" position to take would
be not to give any speaking slots to Tunisians at all. that is the
point I was trying to raise.
Speaking slots or not, we'll definitely hear and have to deal with
Tunisian issues at the summit.
The summit will be challenge, that's for sure.e
regards,
Robert
--
Robert Guerra <rguerra@privaterra.org>
Managing Director, Privaterra <http://www.privaterra.org>
On 8-Oct-05, at 12:04 PM, Bill McIver wrote:
All,
This message was undiplomatic and, therefore, not appropriate.
It makes a blanket statement about Tunisians.
We should not be focusing on the issue in this way.
WJM
Début du message réexpédié :
De: Robert Guerra <rguerra@lists.privaterra.org>
[...]
In the spirit of transparency and openness, i thought it best to
share my position (as focal point on the CSB for North America &
Europe) on and about nominations from Tunisia with the plenary
list.
My position is as follows....
To be honest, the inclusion of Tunisians as proposed speakers at
the summit makes be personally shake in disbelief.
[...]
Recommendation: remove all Tunisian names all together. If this
group recommends one Tunisian name vs. another, we will be lead
into a dogfight we can not win. It's a political issue - let the
ITU deal with it.
Alternatives: no doubt there are other names from other countries
that are not only "less problematic" but, are higher level and
involved in information society activities and/or initiatives at
a higher level than the Tunisian nominees.
--
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