PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.GORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CSH-843/07

19 March 2007COMMITTEE ON HEMISPHERIC SECURITY Original: English

Meeting to Review Progress in Implementingthe Declaration on Security in the Americas

March 20, 2007Washington, D.C.

REPORT ON MEASURES AND ACTIONS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATIONOF THE DECLARATION ON SECURITY OF THE AMERICAS

Sixth Meeting of the Group of Experts on Aviation Safety, Security and Assistance (GEASSA/6) November 29 to December 1, 2006

Cartagena, ColombiaMeeting Record

(Presented by the Western Hemispheric Transportation Initiative)

Sixth Meeting of the Group of Experts on Aviation Safety, Security and Assistance (GEASSA/6) November 29 to December 1, 2006

Cartagena, ColombiaMeeting Record

Chairmanship

In the absence of co-chairman Merlin Preuss, Director General Civil Aviation for Canada, the meeting was rotationally chaired by Dr. Fernando Sanclemente Alzate, Director General of Civil Aviation for Colombia, by Col. Carlos Montealegre Deputy-Director General of Civil Aviation for Colombia, by Debra Normoyle, Director General of Security and Emergency Preparedness for Canada and by Robert Shuter, Director of International Aviation and Technical Programs for Canada.

Attendance

Thirty-one participants from 9 countries (Colombia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, the United States of America and Venezuela), the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) South American Office and the Central American Centre of Aviation Safety (COCESNA) attended the meeting. The Colombian Association of Air Transportation (ATAC) as well as representatives of airlines and Colombian Air Force officials represented industry.

Opening Remarks

Welcome statements were made by Dr. Fernando Sanclemente Alzate, Director General of Civil Aviation for Colombia, by Debra Normoyle, Director General of Security and Emergency Preparedness for Canada and by Robert Shuter, Director of International Aviation and Technical Programs for Canada.

Presentation by the attendees (presented in the sequence in which the presentations were given). The presentations will be posted on the GEASSA website in the language in which they were presented.

1- Review of the agenda

A number of changes were made to the presentation order. The order of presentations as indicated in this summary is the order in which presentations were actually given.

Oscar Quesada of ICAO gave a presentation on Walter Amaro’s behalf.

A discussion on the upcoming 2007 ICAO Assembly was added to the agenda

2- Update on GEASA Funding issues by Bob Shuter, Director of International Aviation and Technical Programs / Transport Canada & Poppy Vineberg, Senior Advisor, International Aviation and Technical Programs / Transport

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The GEASSA is an effective way to develop and validate projects. Outlined recent meetings the GEASSA Secretariat had held with the World Bank, the Organisation of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and reported on the outcomes of these meetings. Based on information garnered during these meetings, the IADB seems the most likely source of financing and had requested that the GEASSA act as an independent organisation to validate their aviation safety and security programmes which the Secretariat agreed to do. Urged States present to start lobbying their Finance Ministers to encourage Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to include aviation in their country assistance strategies, which would make the financing of aviation safety and security projects more feasible. It was also noted that the GEASSA member countries had to be involved in the funding requests to the multilateral lending institutions. The GEASSA existed to provide support and guidance in the funding requests. The main impetus still has to come from individual countries.

3- ICAO 2007 Assembly – General Discussion

In preparation for the next ICAO Assembly, Sergio Paris raised the idea that the countries present could attempt to develop a common ‘Americas’ position. The point was raised that the two most contentious issues that could be predicted at the next ICAO Assembly would be the Restructuring of ICAO and the Environment.

In terms of restructuring ICAO, the Canadian participant talked of the creation of the new Deputy Secretary General position. ICAO needs to streamline operations and hire more working-level people to execute the projects. Moreover, Canada strongly feels that both the USAOP and USAP should be funded from the regular budget of the organization. In terms of the environment, the discussions made by the ICAO Council Members forming the Americas group were presented to the table in the hopes that an American block could be created to address the European Union Emissions Trading scheme.

The discussion veered into multiple auditing practices and the demand on countries to address various forms of audits such as ICAO USOAP and USAP audits in addition to audits from individual states such as the United States. Participants posed a question to the Federal Aviation Administration representative from the Dominican Republic in terms of the possibility that multiple audits by States go beyond the ICAO requirements which puts ICAO’s authority in doubt. The representative from the FAA responded that the FAA only audits carriers flying to the United States using the ICAO standards. She promised to return to her authorities with the comments that were brought forward at this meeting. A representative from Costa Rica discussed their recent audit experience and mentioned the view that audits should be seen as an opportunity to improve.

A discussion ensued on various measures where increased regional cooperation could help countries prepare for and address audits in order to maximize resources. A Representative from the Dominican Republic proposed increased coordination in the realm of training. He advocated the creation of a training network whereby countries would inform each other of upcoming training courses that they were organizing so that other states could benefit from these endeavors. The representative from ICAO presented his view that there was no competition between ICAO and various organizations for resources in Latin America and that despite the budgetary pressures the organization was facing, it was still vital in order to improve aviation safety and security. ICAO has established a strategic plan during its evolution process. Within the Secretariat, each activity must be aimed at fulfilling that plan. However, ICAO’s budget is not increasing, which means that the matter is not simple. The representative highlighted ICAO’s achievements, pointing out that the technical cooperation program has had tremendous success in terms of institutional strengthening and maintenance of aviation

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security, as well as in improvement of the aviation infrastructure by means of the procurement program.

Many different participants highlighted the issue of budgetary pressures and the call for increased cooperation to maximize resources was made several times. The importance of sharing data on foreign inspection to cut down on the amount of audits being conducted which was linked to the tenets of Transparency and the sharing of safety information. Another conclusion refers to the need to study the possibility that the Regional Safety Oversight Cooperation System (SRVSOP) could assume the role of audits in the regional context, thereby avoiding duplication of efforts, as well as the need to bring regional standards to the industry so as to obtain different certificates but mutual recognition.

4- Update on Regional Activities and Workshops and Seminars and ICAO Technical Cooperation Activities in CAR/SAM Regions by Oscar Quesada, ICAO South America Chief of Technical Cooperation

Mr. Quesada presentation outlined ICAO’s activities and projects in the South American region, the work plan of the Regular Program of ICAO, Caribbean/South American Regional Planning and Implementation Group (GREPECAS) activities, and the ICAO Technical Cooperation Programme.

Questions/ Comments:

Colombia -How do you see the transition to Latin American Aviation Regulations (LARs) for air operators? – There has to be a transition process. Each State must decide the transition timeline through consultation with its operators, then report back to the regional system on the outcome of these consultations. Mr. Quesada does not believe that this will be a difficult transition.

Dominican Republic – Brought forward 3 concerns:

1- Quality Assurance2- How to apply Quality Assurance to security3- Should State retain control over Security or should it outsource?

The group agreed to revisit these topics the following day.

COCESNA – It is important to give industry a chance to comment on the LARs before implementing them. It is also important to establish teams in order to harmonize the regulations. Also presented the view that a certification process could grant recognition to the process.

5- Research Center or Accident investigation in Latin America by Colonel (ret)Luis German Paez, Secretary of Air Safety, Special Administrative Unit / Civil Aviation – Colombia

Col. Paez presented the view that a need exists in the region to optimize accident investigation and to institute accident investigation schemes. Presented a project on the creation of a Center that would establish regional standards in the field of accident investigations, institute accident reduction programs by applying appropriate risk mitigation techniques. Colonel Paez also focused on the need to optimize air safety investigation for the countries of the region and how accident prevention frameworks should be implemented that are effective and adaptable to the regional environment and common needs, in harmony with the processes, and both pro-active (preventive) and reactive. He

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further outlined the trends toward globalization and regional integration on topics of aviation safety, and proposed under this framework the creation of an air accident investigation centre that would allow standardization of international criteria, make regional laboratories and workshops available for investigation, and have capacities similar to those of organizations in the northern hemisphere, such as the NTSB. The estimated investment for the project would be US$6 million.

Questions/Comments

US- when would this project be ready? What kind of assistance would be required? – We will present this project to the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) for funding. The possibility exists to go ahead with the project within a year.

The Dominican Republic backed the project, particularly because of the cost savings for investigations. Canada indicated that the initiative would appear to be cost-effective and politically viable, and also that this project is in agreement with the ICAO requirement that the results of an aviation accident investigation should assist in the planning and promotion of cooperative work to overcome this weakness of the region.

The project received GEASSA support to proceed to the next steps.

6- Dominican Republic Project on an Integrated Security Management System by Osiris Ramirez Ponce de Leon

The project, known as SIGSA, is composed of one part linked to implementation of a high technology system for security, protection and monitoring of sterile aviation areas at six international airports in the territory of the Dominican Republic; and another part that is a system for the creation, implementation and execution of an Aviation Security (AVSEC) Department that would strengthen the AVSEC framework by incorporating human resources previously selected under the structure of an instruction and training program in order that they might, once certified and backed by ICAO as national or international AVSEC inspectors, carry out the supervision, inspection and audit activities required under the internationally accepted standards of Annex 17 to the Chicago convention.

Questions/ Comments:

Haiti: Fully supports this project

Canada: This project certainly could interest the Canadian Counter-terrorism and Capacity Building project. If this project would be selected, funding could be available as of April 1, 2007.

All projects presented on the first day benefited from the support of the GEASSA. The GEASSA will issue letters of intention to the GEASSA membership to support these projects for funding and assist in presenting these projects to the IADB. The Canadian member indicated that our discussions with the IADB lead us to believe that the accident investigation center is exactly the type of project they are interested in funding as it benefits many States, is cost-effective and is based on ICAO recommendations to develop regional solutions to common problems and to further accident investigation capabilities and research.

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7- Flow of Information in Aviation Security by Dr. Nubia Sanchez - Administrative Unit / Civil Aviation – Colombia

The project consists of developing a technologically secure hemispheric network to share AVSEC information with respect to threats to civil aviation as a complement to the current points of contact (PoC) network and strengthening the prevention of acts of unlawful interference in civil aviation. This network would give the countries of the Americas access to a secure database, in addition to allowing them to share information on threats, consult important documents, hold videoconferences, and have access to a priority intelligence messages system, among other benefits. The proposal seeks to demonstrate the importance of technological development in flows of information, the capacity that use of this system would bring to civil aviation or aviation security authorities with secure information, and programs used for this purpose.

Questions/ Comments:

Venezuela- Asked about the availability of the network and the confidentiality of the information shared. How do you ensure the security of the information? The Venezuelan Representative indicated his country’s interest in such a project and indicated his country’s support to present at the next GREPECAS meeting. – The data would be encrypted using sophisticated encryption processes in order to protect the information and individual users would access the system through a secured password. The presenter further outlined that an indication that this type of network is necessary is the dissemination of information following the London bombings of 2005. Most Security authorities learned of the event through media as opposed to official communications form the English security authorities.

Dominican Republic: What are the costs of this project and he is concerned about the security of the information? Ultimately, no system is infallible but the need for this type of network has clearly been established. The project will define the highest degree of security of the information.

ICAO- the proposed project needs, as already mentioned, a technological platform. He proposed that Colombia, using the letter of intent form GEASSA present this project to the next meeting of the REDDIG, which could alleviate some of the concerns expressed by states.

Canada- Supports this initiative for several reasons. First, it follows ICAO’s guideline with respect to the sharing of information. It allows for the communication of imminent threats to authorities, it provides guidelines to support security responses to imminent threats. Canada encourages other members to give their support to this proposal.

The project received GEASSA support to proceed to the next steps. GEASSA strongly encourages its members to send their contact information to Nubia to begin the creation of the network.

United States – The FAA representative read a message of support from Rich Stein, of the Transportation Security Administration

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8- ICAO- Canada Security awareness training by Debra Normoyle, Director General, Security and Emergency Preparedness –Transport Canada

Canada’s objective was to respond to the need for technical assistance and to improve aviation security in the Caribbean and South American region. Aviation security Awareness training packages were developed. The first phase of this project occurred in 2004-2005. The Second phase will be delivered between 2007 and 2009. The courses were developed and managed by ICAO. Transport Canada had a coordination role and will supply trainers as required. Canada’s financial contribution, through its Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Counter-Terrorism and Capacity Building Programme, granted $CDN 479,000 in order to pay for the cost of trainers. Under phase 2, a total of 44 training activities will be delivered.

Questions/ Comments:

Panama: Noted that the program mentions South America and the Caribbean. What about Central America? – The programme includes training sessions in Central America.

Dominican Republic: The issue of quality assurance is very important. They are asking to receive relevant information on QA course offerings, as they will make sure to send participants. – The course schedule will be made available to all meeting participants and will be coordinated through ICAO's North American Central American and Caribbean Office.

Dominican Republic: Highlighted the importance of hosting an event on Human Factors in Aviation security/Facilitation. Offered to host such an event. – The current Programme is already established under the ICAO- Canada Security awareness training. However, Canada would consider the Dominican Republic’s proposal on a separate basis.

9- Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) by Dr. Nubia Sanchez - Administrative Unit / Civil Aviation – Colombia

The importance of travel documents is vital in order to confirm the traveller’s identity and nationality. ICAO has adopted a global, harmonized blueprint for the integration of biometric identification information into passports (e-Passports) and it is important to help countries in order to increase the use of biometric-enhanced MRTDs and the inter-operability of such documents within the Western Hemisphere. The Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) has expressed an interest in this project. The goal of the project is to structure a course on machine readable travel documents under the Trainair method was presented in search of support from the GEASA in developing and validating a set of normalized teaching materials (CDMN) to train personnel operating machine readable travel documents (MRTD) verification stations through the use of the TRAINAIR methodology of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as this project has been promoted within CICTE.

Questions/ Comments:

Costa Rica: They are very interested in this project. Is it limited to Colombia? – Colombia would develop the training material then release it to interested countries.

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The project received GEASSA support to proceed to the next steps by presenting the project to GREPECAS. The project is ready to begin as soon as funding is identified.

10- ICAO/PAIGH Cooperation Project for the production of aeronautical charts presented by Jorge Fernandez Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Costa Rica

Costa Rica would like to reactivate the project on aeronautical charts and is asking the GEASSA to sponsor Meetings of the Aeronautical Charts Committee of the Pan-American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH)/GREPECAS Task ForceAnd to consider financial support for the PAIGH/ICAO Project for the production of Aeronautical Charts in those States who are not members of the PAIGH.

Questions/ Comments:

Colombia: Proposes that countries form groups to share the costs of mapping by selecting project managers in States to share responsibilities and costs. Also suggested forming cooperative agreements with geographic and cartographic societies.

Costa Rica proposes their Director General to be the project manager to lead the project.

Dominican Republic – have the same concerns as Costa Rica and support the reactivation of the project

Canada- Ideal project and we will push as hard as we can to develop it further.

Colombia – Canada has an important geographic center that contains a database. Proposes that this center become involved to reduce the costs.

Canada - will follow up on Colombia’s suggestion

United States- will inquire about their ability to offer support to this initiative

11- Transport Canada Aviation Security Projects by Debra Normoyle, Director General, Security and Emergency Preparedness –Transport Canada

Safety and Security are inter-connected. Safety Management Systems and Security Management Systems build on each other. We can work together to develop new ideas and adopt more strategic approaches. In addition to the Security Awareness project that was presented earlier in the day, Canada was also planning future assessment trips to Latin America and the Caribbean to assess the needs in terms of aviation security and to build AVSEC capacity in the region. The assessment trips will identify gaps and areas where we can focus our efforts. GEASSA is the perfect vehicle to focus aviation security capacity building. Canada is trying to establish a framework to identify needs and priorities. GEASSA is looking to develop a concrete action plan to address aviation security initiatives and to avoid the duplication of efforts.

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Questions/ Comments:

Colombia: There are deficiencies in all countries. Suggests using ICAO audit reports to identify needs and priorities in the region.

Dominican Republic: Identified these four areas as needs in the region: security, technology, training and infrastructure. Welcomed the assessment trips by Canada and offered the Dominican Republic as a locale for a needs assessment trip.

12- Future direction of the GEASSA on Aviation Security – open discussion

Colombia: Dealing with the Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) s is a difficult process. Signaled that letters of support from the GEASSA can help countries when approaching MDBs. He proposed 3 areas where GEASSA can strengthen its involvement, namely the GREPECAS, the IADB and other MDBs as well as developing relationships amongst states and organizations that have an interest in aviation safety and security. Proposed Canada as the umbrella for AVSEC activities.

United States: Proposes holding GEASSA meetings before or after other aviation meetings to attract a broader audience

Colombia: suggests trying to time the meeting with a GREPECAS or LACAC session or that Canada attend the next GREPRECAS meeting. Suggestion that Canada represent the GEASSA at the next GREPECAS meeting.

Canada: Canada can facilitate and support, but priorities need to be identified by the GEASSA, not by Canada. All the projects presented are important. We need to identify priority areas so that we can identify projects and initiatives to support these priority areas. We also need to put together successful packages that will receive funding. Proposed Canada to develop guidance material to assist countries in their funding searches.

USA: Will forward a package that can serve as a template.

Canada: Attempt to summarize discussions: We need to develop a strategy on the way forward. We need to develop projects and receive funding in order to have successful stories to share. We also need to find ways to increase the participation from countries at meetings. Canada will work with ICAO to identify initiatives and priority areas that will benefit the group. Canada will develop guidance material to assist countries to successfully deal with MDBs. Canada will also work with other organizations to avoid duplication.

13- Accident Conditions in Latin America by Dr. Sergio Paris Chief of Projects Administrative Unit / Civil Aviation – Colombia

This presentation identified the sources of accidents in the region by presenting statistical data related to accident and incident investigations research and sought to identify trends by type of activity such as general aviation, helicopters, etc. The presentation highlighted the need for increased cooperation and information sharing among the GEASSA countries in support of ICAO’s standards and its strategic plan in order to increase the level of awareness about the status of accident conditions in the region.

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14- Language Proficiency requirements for Air traffic Controllers by Dr. Sergio Paris Chief of Projects Administrative Unit / Civil Aviation – Colombia

As of November 2003 amendments to ICAO Annex 1 –Personnel Licensing, Annex 6 – Operation for Aircraft, Annex 10 –Aeronautical Telecommunications and Annex 11 – Air Traffic Services became applicable. While the amendments became applicable in 2003, the majority of provisions come into effect in 2008, meaning that Air traffic Controllers must demonstrate their skills to talk and to understand English in a level specified by ICAO. Given the significant implications of this requirement, the presenter is urging States to examine the issue Regionally in order to meet the ICAO provisions.

15- Language Proficiency requirements training for Air traffic Controllers presented by the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has hired an expert to evaluate the level of proficiency in English in the Dominican Republic. Indicated that a cultural shift will be necessary in the region in order to comply with the ICAO requirements. Invites the GEASSA to note the work developed by the Dominican Republic on this subject and encourages the countries in the region to develop similar projects to meet the ICAO requirements.

Questions/ Comments:

ICAO: Congratulates states on these initiatives and efforts to comply with the ICAO Annexes. Also indicated that there will soon be requirements for English proficiency for maintenance staff as well.

COCESNA: COCESNA’s 6 member states have completed the diagnostic of the situation.

Colombia: Achieving language competency is difficult. The measurement of the proficiency is an additional problem that countries must tackle. It is more important to develop the ability to communicate clearly rather than focus on the grammar. The ultimate goal is to minimize the risk of communication failures. Colombia has decided on a phased-in approach by focusing on controllers who manage international operations and then moving the proficiency levels outwards. Advocates the creation of a standardized test to be used by Latin American Civil Aviation authorities.

IATA: This is an issue of concern for operators. They have developed an agreement with Berlitz language centers. IATA’s position is that the operators will have to work with States.

ATAC (Colombia): Expressed concern about the cost of training pilots and controllers.

Aerolinea: indicated that the option proposed by IATA, namely training through Berlitz was expensive and that a more reasonably priced alternative is preferable.

Colombia: Asked that countries commit to sharing information on this topic. Specifically solutions developed by individual countries could be shared with others to learn from best practices. This proposal was approved.

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16- IATA’s Safety Strategy by Mauricio Moran, Manager Safety, Operations & Infrastructure Latin America & Caribbean – IATA

IATA’s presentation advocated the adoption a more formal approach to safety, establishing objectives that are specific and quantifiable, and contributing safety solutions, and described the IATA IOSA program and its benefits for the states in the reduction of efforts, as well as future expansion of IOSA to cargo operators, low-cost airlines, charter operators, non-members of IATA, and the structuring of other audits aimed at ground handling, airports and MROs. IATA indicated to the GEASA that most of the shortcomings in the hemisphere are not corrected by aviation and/or airport authorities, as the problem is not technical but organizational and financial, and this is reflected in deficiencies in particular in meteorological information, maintenance of takeoff and landing strips, VHF/HF communications on various airways, and the lack of perimeter fences around airports. The IATA emphasized that various states have ignored ICAO recommendations to create a correction plan. IATA invited the group to promote the adoption of a professional multidisciplinary approach to safety, establish specific and quantifiable goals, contribute safety solutions, provide practical security tools to obtain direct benefits, work together, ensure more effective coordination in security initiatives and join in the safety initiative.

17- Safety Management Systems Implementation by Jacqueline Booth-Bourdeau, Chief Technical and National Programs/ Transport Canada

The presentation outlined the background of SMS in Canada, an introduction to the concepts and principles related to SMS, the need to understand the Regulations and Standards. It also demonstrated how to implement an SMS and the pitfalls of SMS implementation in Canada. Finally, it provided an assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation process in Canada.

18- Open Discussion on Safety Management Systems Implementation

Colombia: Before SMS, States managed oversight and safety. What is the link between oversight and safety? – Audits only check for compliance. Therefore a new surveillance methodology was developed. Since resources are limited, inspections needed to become more focused. The goal was to conduct more assessments yet reduce the audit calendar. You must check both for compliance and efficiency when conducting an assessment of the SMS put in place by the organisation. SMS will be integrated into the day-to day operations of the organisations. The cornerstone of SMS is the notion of continuous improvement.

ICAO – SMS will be a constant in the coming years. Does Canada have an approved maintenance organisation? -- In Canada, AMOs are not required to have a full SMS yet. They are in the 2 nd phase of implementation in Canada. The regulations state that an SMS must be drafted by 2008 but the implementation can occur gradually. Colombia: Suggested that ICAO create a map of risks for the Latin American region since it has unique characteristics. For instance, in Latin America, the accountable executives rotate frequently and there is a cultural difference from one country to the next.

ICAO: The South American office has been proactive. There is a full roster of courses being delivered over the next 6 months to countries in the region. He has noted Colombia’s suggestion.

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19- Open discussion on the Future direction of the GEASSA on Aviation Safety

Canada: Expressed the desire to see GEASSA projects receive funding by MDBs. Re-iterated that it was important to have the support of the Minister of Finance in individual countries since they will have to be lead the funding request to the MDBs. Another important element of receiving successful funding through MDBs is the inclusion of aviation safety and security in individual country assessment strategies within each bank. Without the inclusion of aviation safety and security in these country assessment strategies, it will be much more difficult to obtain funding.

Panama: Proposed holding the next meeting in Panama and increasing the meeting schedule to every 6 months.

Dominican Republic: Seconded Panama’s proposal. In recognition of the excellent work of Colombia, proposed the creation of a permanent Secretariat and suggested Dr. Sergio Paris as the Secretary of the organisation. Expressed that the Dominican Republic is also interested in holding a meeting.

Costa Rica: Agrees with holding a meeting every 6 months since continuity is lost. Agrees on rotating the location of the meetings but proposed Cartagena as the host of every 2nd meeting.

Colombia: The GEASSA will always be welcome to hold meetings in Cartagena. They will support the decision of the group with respect to meeting location and increasing the frequency of the meeting.

Canada: If a meeting is to be held every 6 months, countries will have to be more proactive in proposing material and projects to share at the meetings in order to justify increasing the meeting frequency.

Dominican Republic: Including Facilitation will expand the GEASSA. Also suggested a joint Secretariat: one Secretariat in the Latin American Region and one in Canada.

Canada: suggests that the host of the meting take the lead on developing the agenda and handling meeting logistics.

Dominican Republic: Maintains Cartagena as the host of every Second meeting. And Re-iterates the view that Dr. Sergio Paris should head the GEASSA Secretariat, supported by Poppy Vineberg for Canada and the host of the meeting.

Colombia: Calls on countries to participate more actively at the meetings through presentations and agenda item submissions and suggestions.

Panama: The intent of Panama’s suggestion was to further new perspectives by allowing better follow-up by increasing the frequency of meetings. Panama still asks for Dr. Sergio Paris’ mentorship of the GEASSA.

Dominican Republic: Propose to use the internet to facilitate communication. Perhaps the use of chat groups can help to increase the ease of communication.

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Canada: referred to the existing website. Asked GEASSA member countries to examine the website to suggest improvements. Asked that this item be revisited at the next GEASSA meeting. Asked Panama to nominate a coordinator to begin planning the next meeting in Panama.

CLOSING MATTERS AND NEXT MEETING

The delegate from the Dominican Republic invited the group to consider establishing a permanent rapporteurship, an initiative that was welcomed. It was therefore decided that that rapporteurship would be exercised by Sergio Paris Mendoza of the Civil Aviation of Colombia and Poppy Vineberg of Transport Canada.

The delegate from Panama offered to host the next meeting, which motion was accepted. It was also agreed that the group should meet in mid-2007 to evaluate the progress of the activities and discuss the topics that were scheduled for the next meeting. This initiative was accepted.

The meeting was adjourned by Cr. Carlos Eduardo Montealegre, Assistant Director General of Civil Aviation of Colombia.

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