Dear colleagues,

I refer to Giovanni Pinna's comments on ICOM-L, dated 27 May 2003. Contrary
to his message I will refrain from moral rebuke and from polemic.

Concerning the creation of new International Committees I wrote in my ICOM-L
message of 28 April that extensive discussions in the ICTF lead us to the
proposition that the demand for a new committee can be considered if it is
supported by at least 50 ICOM members from 10 countries in more than one
continent. We feel that such figures are necessary to guarantee a real
international approach. It goes without saying that we could have epic
discussions on the appropriate number. What we made is only a suggestion
needing large discussion in the Advisory Committee to prepare the final
decision of the Executive Council. On the other hand, in a first step, we
don't intend to change statutes, since there is a working group on a
complete renewal of the statutes. As I mentioned, the corresponding figure
in the actual statutes is 10 (art 17,5). Hence there will be no change in
the immediate future. 

Concerning the creation of a new Standing Committee (of the Executive
Council) on International Committees, we came to the conclusion that it is
necessary to prepare the decisions of the Executive Council with respect to
creation, operation and evaluation of International Committees. By no means,
this committee will be a controlling body. It has to advise the Executive
Council, should identify emerging issues and new initiatives and should help
any International Committee in difficulties. And again: This is a
proposition for discussion in the Advisory Committee.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you next week and I hope that we
will have a fruitful exchange of arguments, especially during the separate
International Committee meeting on Tuesday.

With good wishes to all of you.

Martin R.Schärer
Member of the Executive Council
Coordinator of the International Committee Task Force

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