[ncc-announce] [news] Sanctions and the RIPE NCC: Status Update

Dear members,

I want to briefly update you on the current situation involving sanctions, following my last email back in April[1].

In short, there have been no major developments and the situation is largely unchanged. However, to keep you informed, allow me to briefly run through this again.

STATUS OF EXEMPTION REQUEST AND FROZEN MEMBERSHIPS

In April, we mentioned that the RIPE NCC was seeking an exemption from EU sanctions regulation from the Dutch authorities. The authorities have indicated that their response will take longer than usual, possibly due to the COVID-19 situation. We will inform you when we receive a decision on our request.

For the three members believed to be on the sanctions list, this means that their LIR accounts remain frozen and they remain unable to access RIPE NCC services. While this is not ideal, it does mean that their resources have not been deregistered.

BANK TRANSFERS FROM IRANIAN AND SYRIAN MEMBERS

My earlier email also mentioned that the RIPE NCC's bank had temporarily revoked its ability to receive bank transfers from members in Iran and Syria. Unfortunately, this restriction remains in place and will likely remain so until the RIPE NCC receives a response to its exemption request.

As this will probably take longer than the 1 July payment deadline, the RIPE NCC is looking at ways to address this and will follow up with affected members directly.

RIPE NCC EXECUTIVE BOARD POSITION

This is also unchanged, but I think you'll agree that this is a good thing: "The Executive Board of the RIPE NCC believes that the means of communication should not be affected by political discussions or disputes. This includes the provision of correctly registered Internet numbering resources."[2]

At our board meeting last week, we reaffirmed that the RIPE NCC is committed to pursuing all legal means to continue providing services to all of its members. As we have already stated, we believe the Internet is a critical tool for humanity and should not be affected by political discussions.

I regret that we are not yet able to give a more positive update, we are doing all we can to resolve this issue. If you have any questions or comments for the board, please contact us at <exec-board at ripe.net>.

Regards

Christian Kaufmann
RIPE NCC Executive Board Chairman

[1] Sanctions and the RIPE NCC: Current Status and Executive Board Position:
https://www.ripe.net/ripe/mail/archives/ncc-announce/2020-April/001413.html

[2] Executive Board Resolution on Continuity of Services to all RIPE NCC Members:
https://www.ripe.net/publications/news/about-ripe-ncc-and-ripe/executive-board-resolution-on-continuity-of-services-to-all-ripe-ncc-members