> -----------------------------------------------------------------------> *From:* xxx > *To:* Sophia Bekele <sophiabekele@yahoo.com>; Sophia B <sophiabekele@gmail.

com> > *Sent:* Wed, May 19, 2010 11:53:56 PM > *Subject:* [Fwd: .africa] URGENT and VERY IMPORTANT > > > Sophia, > > we have a serious problem. See below. I am sending confidentially to you.xxx knows that I am supporting you and I have told him that its an ugly fight already. I am very busy but I will find time for this. Please call me or whatever so I can get feedback to xxx - who is himself very busy and travelling. > > Did AU release a statement dropping you ? > > xxx > > **********from xxx********** > xxx > > I got a call today asking if I can help drive the .africa bid, led by Pierre O, Pierre D & others - the team that'll be competing with Sophia's proposal. > > I haven't been following the .africa at all, but been told that Sophia has prevented Afrinic/Afnog meeting to take place in Ethopia and that the African Union has releasing a statement that they do not support her bid. I thought she had a support letter from them, but from the sound of it, it doesn't hold. > > Basically, they're planning to have a non-profit for the delegation and a for-profit (assisted by Afilias) for the operations. They'll also be raising about $500-$700K to move forward. > > What's your take? > > -xxx