Original Document:
http://www.nro.net/archive/press-releases/wsis-20051117.html

WSIS Reinforces the Regional Internet Registries (RIR)

TUNIS - 17 November 2005

The Number Resource Organization (NRO) is satisfied with the result of the WSIS. It is a positive result that the role of governments inside the area of Internet governance has been clearly defined, and that there is a clear decision for governments not to become involved in the daily operational and technical matters of the Internet. This result, while recognising the importance of full involvement of all stakeholders, allows for the continued successful operation of the Internet and is a successful outcome for the Internet community as a whole.

"The outcome of the Tunis Phase of the WSIS is very significant and quite remarkable," says Axel Pawlik, Chairman of the Number Resource Organization.

"We are very pleased that the policy development processes of the Regional Internet Registries (RIR) have been recognised and reinforced by the Tunis Agenda. Over the coming months and beyond, we will continue our ongoing efforts to reach out to governments, as well as to other stakeholders, in order to exchange views on the Tunis outcomes and to develop priorities for the future".

The WSIS has recognised the long standing bottom-up processes and services provided by the RIR to the Internet community. It affirms that neither competitive nor parallel registry systems are needed, recognising that RIR processes fully support open participation by the community at large, allowing for fair, equitable, and representative resource allocation policies. It further recognises that these processes will also continue to balance the priorities for Internet resource management at the global, regional, national and local levels, in order to ensure stability and integrity of the Internet's global addressing and routing structures.

Building on the success of the WSIS, the RIR look forward to increased participation of all stakeholders, including governments, in regional and global policy processes. Says Mr. Pawlik, "As the Internet landscape continues to evolve and change, we see this as a means to develop processes and services that will continue to meet its needs. We have been pleased with the opportunity over the past several years to participate in the WSIS, and are looking forward to participation as a full partner in future dialogues."

For more information, visit the NRO website at http://www.nro.net

Press Contact:

Paul Rendek
NRO, c/o RIPE NCC
Singel 258
1016 AB Amsterdam
+31 20 535 4444