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Skriven 2006-07-10 23:34:22 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (060710e) for Mon, 2006 Jul 10
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Message to the Senate of the United States
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 10, 2006

Message to the Senate of the United States



TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
ratification, I transmit herewith the amendments to the Constitution and
Convention of the International Telecommunication Union (Geneva, 1992), as
amended by the Plenipotentiary Conference (Kyoto, 1994) and the
Plenipotentiary Conference (Minneapolis, 1998), together with the
declarations and reservations by the United States, all as contained in the
Final Acts of the Plenipotentiary Conference (Marrakesh, 2002).

I transmit also, for the information of the Senate, the report of the
Department of State concerning these amendments.

The Plenipotentiary Conference (Marrakesh, 2002) adopted amendments that
would expand the field of individuals eligible for election to the Radio
Regulations Board; provide for functional privileges and immunities for
members of the Radio Regulations Board; strengthen the finances of the
International Telecommunication Union by, among others, providing for
sector member contributions to defray the expenses of regional conferences
in which they participate and clarifying that operational plans prepared by
the International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General and Directors
of each of the International Telecommunication Union sectors must reflect
the financial implications of the activities proposed; provide for sector
members to be represented as observers at meetings of the Council; and
recognize the authority of the Radiocommunication Assembly, the World
Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, and the World Telecommunication
Development Conference to adopt working methods and procedures for their
respective sectors.

Consistent with long-standing practices, the United States, in signing the
2002 amendments, made certain declarations and reservations. Subject to
those declarations and reservations, I believe the United States should
ratify the 2002 amendments to the International Telecommunication Union
Constitution and Convention. Those amendments will contribute to the
International Telecommunication Union's ability to adapt to changes in the
telecommunication environment and, in so doing, serve the needs of the
United States Government and United States industry. It is my hope that the
Senate will take early action on this matter and give its advice and
consent to ratification.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

July 10, 2006.

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