Bulletin of the Former ITU Staff Members’ Association

EDITORIAL Guadalajara Plenipotentiary January 2011 Conference (PP-10) Bulletin No.28 4-22 october 2010 Summary

TU’s 18th Molinar Horcasitas, made available by 1 Editorial IPlenipotentiary Minister for the Conference hosts Conference, PP-10, was Communications and at http://www.vimeo. 5 Health insurance held in Guadalajara, Transport, Mr. Emilio com/16256967. 6 Complementary Mexico, from 4 to 22 González Márquez, Insurance October, 2010, under Governor of the State Guadalajara, the the Chairmanship of of Jalisco, Mr. Jorge second largest Mexican 6 Autumn luncheon Mr. Fernando Borjón Aristóteles Sandoval city after Mexico City, (Mexico). It was Díaz, Mayor of lies 500 km north- 7 The Fun Ramblers attended by some 2,022 Guadalajara and other west of the capital. 8 Costa Brava participants from 167 eminent personalities. Known as La Perla del Member States of the Occidente (the Pearl of 14 End of the year Union (out of 192) and All the participants the West), Guadalajara wishes 42 ITU Sector Members unanimously is the capital of the and organizations acknowledged the State of Jalisco, home 15 Trips planned in with observer status. quality and warmth to the famous tequila. 2011 In view of the of the welcome Founded in 1542 where participation of more extended by Mexico, as it stands at present, 15 Our Web Site than 70 ministers, well as the excellent the city expanded 16 Outings in 2011 26 vice-ministers infrastructures placed during colonial times and 35 ambassadors, at the disposal of ITU (the wealth of those 17 Membership of the PP-10 was the largest delegates and staff. The times being reflected Association ever assembly of this opening and closing in its architectural standing. ceremonies and the heritage) and played 18 Letters to the Editor festivities organized for an important role 19 They have passed The Conference the occasion reflected during Mexico’s war away was hosted by Mexico’s commitment of independence at Mexico’s Ministry to the success of the start of the 19th for Communications the Conference and century. It was there and Transport in offered an opportunity that the leader of the 20 Committee of the Guadalajara’s EXPO to discover Mexican insurgents, Miguel Association Centre. It was declared culture, traditions Hidalgo Costilla, open on Monday 4 and hospitality and proclaimed the October by Mr. Felipe more particularly abolition of slavery. Calderón Hinojosa, those of the province of With a population President of Mexico, Guadalajara. The event of more than 7 in the presence of may be viewed through million (including Mr. Juan Francisco the video recording the municipalities Page 2 Bulletin of the Association

of Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, The Conference adopted the Key moments Tonalá, Tlajomulco, Zapotlanejo Union’s Strategic Plan and and Ixtlahuacán del Rio), the Financial Plan for the period 2012- The Plenipotentiary Conference metropolitan area of Guadalajara 2015, on the basis of a contributive elected the five members of ITU’s is today the economic and cultural unit unchanged at CHF 318.000, team of Elected Officials, who focus of western Mexico and is despite reduced contributions were sworn in on Thursday 14 looked upon as Mexico’s Silicon by some Member States. These October. The Secretary-General, Valley. Guadalajara lies about two Plans will help the Union to Mr. Hamadoun Touré (Mali), was 50 km away from Lake Chapala, implement the decisions of the re-elected for a second term, as was Mexico’s largest inland lake, Conference during the coming also the Deputy Secretary-General, sometimes compared to Lake four years leading up to the Mr. Houlin Zhao (China), and the Geneva. This tourist area is very Plenipotentiary Conference of 2014. Director of the Standardization popular with Mexicans and with Bureau, Mr. Malcolm Johnson visitors from the United States, ITU’s Secretary-General, Mr. (United Kingdom). These were Canada and Northern Europe Hamadoun Touré, assured joined by two newly elected and was much appreciated by delegates that the Guadalajara officials: the Director of the visitors from the Conference. The Conference was one of the most Radiocommunication Bureau, inhabitants of the State of Jalisco exciting the Union had experienced Mr. François Rancy (France), are known for their sense of during its 145-year history. He who replaces Mr. Valéry Timofeev hospitality, their conviviality and underlined the fact that this 18th (Russia), whose second term has their festive spirit! Plenipotentiary Conference gave ended, and the Director of the him the opportunity to appreciate Telecommunication Development All these factors undoubtedly the amazing advance in ICT Bureau, Mr. Brahima Sanou contributed to the success of development in just four years. He (Burkina Faso). The latter replaces the Conference, which ended felt convinced that in another four the outgoing Director, Mr. Sami on agreement regarding ITU’s years’ time he would be reporting Al Basheer Al Morshid (Saudi crucial role in several key areas. even more spectacular progress, Arabia), who was running for The Union’s mandate was thanks largely to the achievements a second term. All these will strengthened in several respects, of Guadalajara. He reaffirmed officially take office on 1 January such as bridging the digital divide, ITU’s pledge to continue to assist 2011. devising strategies to accelerate its Member States and its Sector broadband roll-out, implementing Members – as well as stakeholders PP-10 also elected the 12 members the outcomes of the World Summit in the ICT sector as a whole - to of the Radio Regulations Board on the Information Society cope with the development of the (RRB), responsible for approving (WSIS), and extending the Union’s ICT environment, as well as to the technical criteria used by the activities in a number of areas, cooperate with its members and Radiocommunication Bureau such as better use of information to safeguard the basic principle of in applying the provisions of the and communication technologies multilateralism and cooperation Radio Regulations. to manage climate change and within the international disaster response; conformance and community in the modern world. Lastly, the Conference elected the interoperability; and accessibility members of the Council, whose for persons with disabilities. Two websites convey PP-10’s key number was increased from 46 to moments: 48 when the Conference opened A last-minute compromise enabled in order to reflect ITU’s growing a consensus to be reached on very - www.itu.int/plenipotentiary/2010/ membership of 192 since August important resolutions concerning newsroom/webcast (to view the 2010. Two Regions saw an the Internet. This agreement recordings of certain meetings) increase in the number of their strengthens and supports ITU’s representatives: the Americas determination to collaborate - www.flickr.com/ Region and the Region of Asia and with the Internet community and photos/itupictures/ Australasia, which now have an to bring the benefits of Internet collections/72157625043648930 additional seat each. within reach of every person in the (to download photographs). world. January 2011 Page 3

Adopted texts • ITU’s role in managing • The need for special technical aspects of measures to assist developing After three weeks of intensive telecommunication networks countries with migration to activity, including weekends and to support the Internet; IPv6 addressing; all-night sittings as of the second • Strengthened cooperation • Addressing the need for week, the Conference modified between Member States special measures to assist two provisions of the Constitution with regard to questions of Small Island Developing and Convention, amended the international public policies States (SIDS) and General Rules governing Union relating to the Internet; Landlocked Developing conferences, assemblies and • ITU’s ongoing role in global Countries (LLDCs), in meetings, and adopted two new cybersecurity activities and keeping with the Hyderabad Decisions and 23 new Resolutions, initiatives; Action Plan agreed by the besides revising Decision 5 (the • ITU’s contribution to child World Telecommunication Financial Plan for 2012-2015) and protection. Development Conference in 43 existing Resolutions. Four Resolutions confirm ITU’s June 2010; role in areas now considered • Strengthening ITU’s regional The amendments to the fundamental for the international presence to enhance the Constitution and Convention community, such as accessibility, effectiveness of the Union’s affect financial provisions: climate change and environmental programmes and activities. new conditions in the event of protection, management of Revised Resolution 140 a reduction of the contribution emergencies and risk prevention underlines ITU’s ongoing role in classes (within a 15% limit), and (in particular through implementing the outcomes of the more specific contribution classes gathering and disseminating World Summit on the Information starting from 2 units (increasing information concerning exposure Society (WSIS). A new Resolution by single unit stages). The to electromagnetic fields, in sets out the framework for modification of the General Rules cooperation with other specialist examining the implementation of refers to the Resolution adopted by organizations). the results of that Summit. the Conference for the attribution to Member States of seats on the Several resolutions relate to Two new Resolutions are aimed at Council (setting up a methodology). the need to bridge the digital increasing ITU’s attractiveness. divide and assistance needed by One offers Sector membership on The more noteworthy new developing countries, including: a four-year trial basis to academic decisions include on-line access and research institutions, subject by the public, at no charge, to a • ITU’s new role as a to a reduced annual fee (CHF number of basic ITU publications global centre for technical 3,975). The other sets out the (Constitution and Convention) conformance and new rules of admission to the and to all the technical standards interoperability assessment, Standardization Bureau and the (Recommendations) issued by the testing, promotion Radiocommunication Bureau for Union’s Radiocommunication and training, designed Sector Members from developing Bureau. particularly to assist countries with a reduced financial developing countries; contribution. Resolutions relating to the Internet • The need for concrete and the use of information and strategies to accelerate Lastly, four Resolutions will have communication technologies broadband rollout, especially an immediate impact on ITU’s figure prominently among the new in developing countries; work for the four years to come and Resolutions adopted by PP-10 and • Reducing the existing gap will receive the Council’s special confirm the increasing concerns of in standardization between attention: the Member States regarding this developed and developing issue. They relate in particular to: countries and helping • Preparation of the World skilled technicians in Conference on International • Measures to help prevent developing countries to take Telecommunications, the illicit or abusive use of a more active part in ITU’s planned for November telecommunication networks standardization work; 2012, to address the through unauthorized calling • Activities to promote digital revision of the International and routing practices; inclusion for indigenous peoples; Page 4 Bulletin of the Association

Telecommunication to modifications at each Finally it is worth noting the Regulations adopted in 1988; Plenipotentiary Conference, measures aimed at improving • The new model for ITU and another more flexible ITU staff training and skills Telecom World events, which instrument that would not and offering ITU officials clear as from 2011 will be held require ratification. This career-advancement opportunities, annually, alternating between group was created by the adopted within the framework a fixed venue awarded by Council at its extraordinary of the revision of the Resolution competitive bidding, and session on Friday, 22 October. relating to the management and alternative venues awarded Consultations are under way development of human resources. also by competitive bidding to determine its presidency; subject to the principle of • The establishment, for a Amendments to the Union’s geographical rotation; trial period of four years, Constitution and Convention • The establishment of a of an independent advisory and to the General Rules, the Council working group committee on management new and revised Decisions and for a stable Constitution, questions, responsible for Resolutions, as well as those that which will be responsible for helping the Secretary- were abolished by the Conference, examining the provisions General and the Council to appear in the Final Acts, signed at of the Constitution and discharge their management the conclusion of the Conference. Convention currently responsibilities in order to The plenipotentiaries will meet in force, with the aim ensure the effectiveness of again in four years’ time, in 2014, of drawing up a stable internal monitoring systems, in Korea. Constitution project risk management procedures ratified by Member States and ITU governance that would not be subject procedures. Marie Odile Beau January 2011 Page 5

Health insurance Information on conventions

n our bulletin N° 2, in July arrangements were made with a Refunding of Health Cures I2010, on page 3, was published certain number of care-givers. (reminder) in extenso the circular dated September 1, 2008 from the Of course, each time the words Code 2.4 of the Scale of Services, Executive Committee of the United “Insurance” and “Members” modified in 2001 (chapter VI of the Nations Staff Mutual Health appear in the text, these should be Statutes) says: and Accident Insurance Fund, replaced by “SHIF” and “Insurees” concerning information on the respectively. 1) Insurees are required to conventions. submit a prescription from Transport costs (code No. 6 of the attending physician; the A transmission error resulted in the Scale of Services) consent of the latter remains the omission of the introduction to compulsory. that circular, intended for the above Circular No. SHIF/09/1 expands the staff. general scope of services under this 2) The cure must last 2 weeks code. (at most). Anything in The missing introduction is shown excess of 14 days gives no below, in italics: The cost to transport a protected entitlement to any additional person back to his/her home after refund. In spite of repeated requests, the a hospital stay is covered. Also Secretariat of our Fund (SHIF) covered in the same way is the 3) The insuree must submit was not able to communicate the cost to transport protected persons one invoice for treatment information in question published between their home and the place and a separate one for by the Mutual Fund for its members of treatment for certain chronic accommodation costs. (which, in addition to the UN, diseases, such as impaired renal covers ONUG, UNDP, UNICEF, function requiring dialysis, or Report on the Fund’s Activities WMO, HCR, CCI, UNV, UNFCCC cancer requiring chemotherapy or in 2009 and UNSSC) radiotherapy. This report is sufficiently clear I believe we need to communicate However, there is a limit to the and precise that no comments are this information also to ITU obligations of the Fund when needed. insurees. This is why I have taken transport costs relate to an atypical the initiative to inform you of the risk. It is the responsibility of Let us note with satisfaction that the contents of that circular (distributed protected persons to acquire Fund is in a good financial position to all the members of the Mutual specific coverage, for example in and that the Guarantee fund Benefits Insurance Fund in the case of participation in sports remains at a higher level than the question) deemed to be dangerous, or when statutory minimum (paragraph 18). a protected person is located for The first paragraph needs to be a prolonged period far from an I am at your disposal for any expanded to show that it was adequate place of treatment (see information or explanation you through the joint efforts of the paragraph 4 and appendix 1 to the may need. Health Insurance Funds of ONUG, circular). ILO/ITU, CERN and WHO that Jacques Bacaly

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Complementary Insurance

nsurees of the Complementary Insurance Fund For the latter, that card is attached to the current Iwho are less than 85 years’ old are covered by “SOS Bulletin. Also attached is a summary outline of the International Assistance”. conditions of use.

The company covers mainly the expenses resulting from For any information regarding “SOS International medical evacuations and repatriations during individual Assistance”, please contact MSPINT.ORG whose or family travel, whether for professional or personal address information is listed on the last page of this reasons. Bulletin.

As proof of coverage, it was decided that each insuree of the Complementary Insurance Fund would be issued an “Assistance” card. Eddy Augsburger

Autumn Luncheon

his year, once again, our autumn luncheon was As is the case whenever he is in Geneva, Mr. Mili Ta success, with more and more participants, a was one of our faithful participants; it is such a great delicious meal and - the icing on the cake - magnificent pleasure to see how alert he is despite being 93 years’ weather for a 23rd of November young. I hope with all my heart that we shall have the pleasure of his company for a long, long time and I In addition to the pleasures of the palate, this luncheon should like to say to those of you who hesitate to take is also the occasion to meet former colleagues whom we part in our feasting, to think of all the fun you are are not always fortunate to be able to meet during the missing!!! year (indeed, some of then come from quite far away for the occasion), to recall the times spent together when we were still in service and to get news of those who were unable to join us. L. de Michely-Jeanmonod January 2011 Page 7

Join Rando plaisir (the fun ramblers) on the ‘salt road’ 13 and 14 july 2010

ean-Marie Estero and Willi Justrich, founders of participating ladies who had celebrated their birthday Jthe Fun Ramblers had the smart idea of taking 14 the previous day or would do so the next day or the day strollers to a higher altitude during this heatwave. On after that, a ‘Heimat’ (home)-style dishcloth. At the end the first day, the itinerary went from Loèche-les-Bains of the day which, for some of us, had begun between via the Gemmi Pass (2314 m - 7600 feet) to 3.30 and 4 a.m. owing to the pre-dawn train departure and Oeschinensee, where the Ramblers spent the night. time, we were glad to get to bed early. To avoid any misunderstandings, I should point out that all 15 ITU elders and 1 active staff member did not travel the whole distance on foot! The cantons of and having installed cable cars and aerial cableways on our route, we took advantage of these facilities; after all, a ramble should remain fun! Besides, even at the higher altitudes, still the weather was sultry hot!

With our backpacks containing just a snack, some water, a toothbrush and pyjamas, we did sweat a lot; but those who carried in addition a (home-baked) “braided” loaf and some wine bottles, to be shared out later, surely lost a few pounds from sheer perspiration. The pace was such, that we could admire quietly the Daubensee The second day too got off to an early start to the (a mountain lake), the surrounding peaks (2 to 3000 tinkling of the cowbells, but there was no need to get m - 6500 to 9800 feet) and Mother Nature all around. up at that time because departure from the hotel was The small lake, where we had our picnic break, had planned at a kinder hour. The day’s itinerary took us diminished in size for lack of rain, but there was still from Kandersteg to Blausee (Blue Lake) along the enough water there for those who wanted to cool off banks of the Kander river. The not-quite-flat route their feet. The Sunnbüel cable car (1920 m - 6300 feet) suited us well because each step we took made us carried us back down to the valley, where we boarded a feel the aches of the previous day. How was this Blue coach to the pretty village of Kandersteg (1176 m - 3800 Lake formed? According to folklore, a young girl with feet); we ambled through it on foot up to the Oeschinen deep blue eyes had died of a broken heart. Today’s aerial cable-car, which carried us to the plateau near tourists are unaware of this tale and happily grill their Oeschinensee (1578 m - 4500 feet); there we were glad sausages on the shores of the lake while (blue?) trout to find our nice hotel … and the showers! come and go in its crystal-clear waters with no care for that sad love story. We partook of a traditional meal Jean-Marie played Santa Claus that day, offering the including… you guessed it, a fillet of trout, which gave participants a keyring with a small built-in flashlight; us our strength back; then the Ramblers travelled by to Eddy-the-Eldest and Willi-the-Helper he gave a pair coach back to Kandersteg where there was sufficient of very becoming Edelweiss breech-braces, and to three time left for us to admire some traditional, decorated wooden houses before we got some rest aboard the (non-airconditioned) railway coach that took us back to Geneva. No need to walk to feel the heat!

Thank you, Willi and Jean-Marie, for this ramble that brought us so much fun! Perhaps you could tell us one day why this route is called “the salt road”.

Petra Bravenboer Summer 2010 Page 8 Bulletin of the Association

COSTA BRAVA… BRAVO! 4-10 September, 2010 And what a trip it was!!!!

rganisation is a word we use every Oday, but when you have others to think about, it needs imagination combined with perfection.

The trip that Jean Marie Estero organized to the Costa Brava left us totally convinced of his organisation skills and of so many more qualities of his, including his particular interest in tourism, cultural and sporting heritage Entrance to the Ciutadella de Rosas and let’s not forget especially … the culinary side. Even on side trips, Jean- Marie had Cécile surprise us with refreshments for masterfully when we stopped for that welcome pause our “essential” aperitif. in Montélimar, where the parking spots were taken up by tourists, showed exceptional On Saturday 4th September 2010, prowess. On the other hand, if we had The Valaisan coach company, Bouchard, come by plane, we would not have had brought us to the Catalan port of the opportunity to view the beautiful Rosas, though not without some minor landscape of the Rhone valley. difficulties. Indeed, parking the “2 C.V.” [a small but popular 2 HP French Once in Rosas, the Montecarlo Hotel family car] … FOR EXAMPLE … on the water’s edge, with its miles-long the way Sylvain handled the coach so beaches, welcomed us with open arms, without any help from Carmen, (the “encargada”), whom we only met next Visit to the village of Pals morning. No sooner were we in our rooms than we discovered a personal touch, in the inimitable Jean-Marie style: a bag in which were many additional details to those we had got when we left Geneva. Much of the pile of reading matter in those bags proved very useful during our different visits to Rosas and the surrounding areas.

In the evening, we got slightly “doused”, but only on the inside; outside there was bright sunshine … up to 9 p.m. … January 2011 Page 9

UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE!! On Monday 6th, with the Catalan sun still shining down, we enjoyed a stroll under the olive- On Sunday 5th, early in the morning, some had a trees around Rosas; it was a good walk and all date with the Mediterranean and its beach already the participants appreciated the diversity of the by 7 a.m.. Then we left to visit the beautiful town of landscape and the ease of the terrain. Surprise- Pals, a city ranked as an artistic Spanish monument; surprise … when it came time to unwrap the there we discovered a Roman style of architecture picnic lunch provided by the hotel, Cécile brought that is typical throughout Catalonia, as well as us by 4-wheel drive car all the required [liquid] properties you can only dream about. complements we needed before filling our “tummies”... Delicious!

The remainder of the stroll back to Rosas was very pleasant and the shower at the hotel, most invigorating. In the evening, at the hotel, the cook spoiled us by preparing “pulpitos” (we won’t tell you how many…) and “of course” the famous desserts which – in Jean-Marie’s company, inter alia – we savoured to the point of exhaustion ...

On Tuesday 7th, the programme Pottery in Bisbal was varied and complete; in the morning, Jean-Marie “took us for a (boat) ride,” in the fullest In the afternoon, we visited “Bisbal” where shops sense of the term, since the mare nostrum was “a are open, even on Sunday; this was quite fortunate poco più mosso”; Pépito did not care to join us as as it gave us an opportunity to appreciate the he has no sea legs. But everyone returned in time beautiful Catalan ceramics, buy several souvenirs, so as not to miss lunch, nor leave the cook all alone even the fragile kind but delicately wrapped for later (I hope I understood you). In the afternoon we transport by coach; we also tasted the “carquiyoles” took a ride in a small yet powerful train, driven by (small, crispy biscuits), that are characteristic of the province Start of the Olive tree walk of Girona.

Returning to Rosas, we savoured the Monte Carlo Hotel’s cuisine; not only were a wide variety of dishes offered (each one with all- you-can-eat fish), but also the food quality was excellent, particularly the desserts. I’m not sure how many additional kilos the coach had to carry back home but I believe Sylvain had to pump up the tyres. Page 10 Bulletin of the Association

Taking a break under my tree The “pica-pica” welcome from Cécile

Bientôt la fi n du calvaire

The sand quarry of Can Ponac Cadaqués and the Santa Maria Church

Listening to Jean-Marie‛s explanations at Mas d‛en Berta January 2011 Page 11

The ordeal is almost over… On the boat to Cadaqués

Little road train At the Chiringuito in Canyelles Petites

The lighthouse in Rosas and the Castell de la Trinitat Page 12 Bulletin of the Association

Empuriabrava et ses canaux Teresa and her interpreter

Le musée Salvador Dali à Figueras

a very experienced driver, a “track expert”, who provided cheap thrills each time he rounded a bend overlooking the sea, to reach and admire the view from Cabo Creus. On the trouble-free descent we ran into some tourists who lived in an hotel and wanted to avail themselves of our “bullet train”, because the coach that was to bring them back to Rosas had been delayed. The evening was spent in the hotel, where we dined and later danced

On Wednesday 8th we started off the day with a big breakfast, NATURELLEMENT!! - stoking up for the outing to “el cami de Ronda”. In the afternoon, we visited the medieval The medieval bridge at Besalù village of Besalù, whose ramparts and suspension bridge filled us with wonder (??). On Thursday 9th we took a side trip with our Fangio from Valais, aka Sylvain, for a surprise visit to the Empuria Brava marina; this

By the military fortifi cations structured development complex is extraordinarily luxurious, from every point of view; a network of navigable channels makes it easy to visit the place and handles the water traffic surprisingly well. Don’t miss a VISIT there if you are in the area. The same goes for the Salvador Dali museum in Figueras, which we had the opportunity and great pleasure to visit. Yet another surprise awaited us when we got back to the hotel, where the pair known as Cecile and Jean-Marie had organized an aperitif as well as the January 2011 Page 13

prize-giving ceremony for the 5-part written quiz, where participants had to answer various questions; the winner was …[[ à compléter]]…. The evening ended in the usual “spirited” and lively manner.

On Friday 10th, because all good things must come to an end, the Flamenco evening last day was spent on the return travel; there was some sadness in the air at having to leave this area

The Salvador Dali museum in Figueras that is so rich in color and cultural contrasts. Willy took charge of the return trip and was able to counsel Sylvain on the smoothest and least busy itinerary … for all of us, “FUN RAMBLERS”.

A very big thank you for this unforgettable outing … see you soon...

José Escudero and Pierre-André Traub aka PEP and PAT

The FUN RAMBLERS is a sort of “registered trademark” that designates an activity of the Association of Former ITU Civil Servants. Founded by our colleagues Jean- Marie Estero and Willy Jüstrich, FUN RAMBLERS also enjoys the convivial presence of Cécile Estero who gratifies participants A well-set table in the organized excursions, with many culinary delights.

Announcement of the results A very big ‘thank you’ to the three of you.

Willi Cécile Jean-Marie Page 14 Bulletin of the Association

End of year wishes

The Bureau of the Association of the Former ITU Officials hopes you had a wonderful Christmas time and sends you its best wishes for good health and happiness for the year 2011. January 2011 Page 15

Trips planned in 2011

27 June – 1 july 2011, EASTERN , APPENZELL, LAKE CONSTANCE

Trips on trains, coaches and cable cars in the mountains, accommodation in a very good hotel in the small town of Appenzell, capital of the Canton of Appenzell Inner-Rhodes, in lush dreen hills and dales.

This region is known for its rural traditions such as the descent [of the herds of cows] from the Alpine pastures, as well as its specific culture: being music and folk dancing.

The Alpstein mountain mass is a paradise for hill walkers.

Visits to the region as well as to the town of St. Gall and nearby Lake Constance

12-15 (and possibly 16) September 2011, LUCERNE AND THE REGION AROUND THE FOUR CANTONS LAKE

Trip to Lucerne by rail. Very good hotel in Lucerne or in its surroundings.

Visits around the area of the Four Cantons Lake are being prepared.

Bernard Bourloud

The URL of our Association’s Website has been slightly modified. It is now:

http://life.itu.int/retraites/

Please take note Page 16 Bulletin of the Association

Outings in 2011

Madeleine Caves (1 day): the Madeleine Hermitage Finges woods (1 day): You will discover in Finges is located in cliffs that look over the Lake of woods one of the largest Alpine pine forests, steppes, Schiffenen. It was dug out by two hermits at the end of some areas that seem like unexplored forests, ponds the 17th century. and biotopes; this is home to innumerable birds of which some species are particularly rare; there are also Banks of the River Arve (1 day): The Arve is the meadows filled with a great variety of flowers. only glacial and torrential river to run through the territory of Geneva; it offers nice opportunities for The tinkling of bells in Alpine pastures (2 days): walks as well as a natural haven right in the centre After a good walk, you will sleep in a barn amid the of town. sweet smell of straw, before digging into an all-you- can-eat country breakfast, in the Valley of Joux. Saint-Pierre Island (1 day); Saint-Pierre island was an invaluable source of inspiration to Jean-Jacques The Salt Road (2 days): at the request of participants Rousseau. He is easier to comprehend as you wander in the 2010 outings, we shall climb to an altitude through this area, where nature meets history. Saint- of 9110 feet as we connect Kandersteg in the Bernese Pierre island is in fact a peninsula; but that fact does Oberland with Loèche-les-Bains in Valais. The pass not take away from its charm. crosses the highest points in the northern Alps, between and Plattenhörner. Were it not for Pointe-à-la-Bise [the north-wind headland] (1 day); the work done on the 2362-feet tall rock face that looms Covering almost 25 acres, this natural reserve is north of Loèche-les-Bains, that crossing would not be shelter to the last remaining lakeside reed-bed in the possible. canton of Geneva. Here, the surrounding vegetation is home to wildlife which at times may be exuberant, Snow-shoes and fondues in La Givrine (1 day): at other times discreet. In particular, it is home to snow shoe walking continues to attract new adepts, to thousands of migratory birds. such an extent that, today, those who enjoy doing it are keen to find mapped-out routes, similar to those Surprise outing (1 day). explored on foot in summer, with a view to discovering the sport in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Villeneuve to Le Bouveret (1 day); Les Grangettes spending quality time and staying safe. is a protected area of green that comprises reed-beds, marshland, alluvial forests, the former bed of the river Snow-shoes and fondues at the Lac de Joux Rhone, plantations of poplar and spruce trees along (1 day): snow shoe walking continues to attract the wild and protected banks of Lake Léman. new adepts, to such an extent that, today, those who enjoy doing it are keen to find mapped-out routes, Trême woods (1 day): These are accessible in all similar to those explored on foot in summer, with a seasons (during which each of them is spotlighted) view to discovering the sport in a relaxed and friendly through the most beautiful wooded landscape. The atmosphere, spending quality time and staying safe. source of the river Trême lies between the Moléson (alt. 6568 feet) and the Dent-de-Lily (alt. 6608 feet). Jean-Marie Estero : [email protected] Willi Justrich : [email protected] January 2011 Page 17

Members of the Association of Former Civil Servants (at 7 December 2010)

Here are some figures Résidence

Members 384 In Switzerland 214 Men 177 In France 109 Women 207 In Spain 10 Locals 303 In the United Kingdom 9 Non-locals 81 In Australia 4 In the USA 4 In Germany 3 In Turkey 3 In Canada 2 In India 2 Joined the Section/ In Ireland 2 Association In Italy 2 In Jordan 2 In 1998 88 In Russia 2 In 1999 69 In Senegal 2 In 2000 34 In Belgium 1 In 2001 23 In Cyprus 1 In 2002 20 In Colombia 1 In 2003 18 In Fiji 1 In 2004 26 In Ghana 1 In 2005 13 In Greece 1 In 2006 24 In Macedonia 1 In 2007 18 In Mali 1 In 2008 13 In Malta 1 In 2009 18 In New Zealand 1 In 2010 19 In the Netherands 1 In Poland 1 In Urguay 1 Page 18 Bulletin of the Association

Letters to the Editor Making the best of old age

One of my friends, a widower, has just celebrated Question: How are you made aware of it? his 88th birthday. He is alert, sharp, always smiling, pleasant and amiable with everyone. Seized with “It is not only that I get tired much more quickly, or astonishment and admiration, I one day asked him how that everything becomes physically more laborious, or he managed to cope with his grand old age. Here is a that the effects of ailments tend to persist even after summary of what he told me. you have recovered. Nor is it just that you occasionally forget recent events. It is more that your interest “Even though initially I find it a little difficult to talk in those around you diminishes; your daily routine about how I experience the fleeting - all too rapid - prevents you from being creative and open to new passage of time, if I am to explain how I feel about ideas; you tend to put off the decisions you need to ageing, I prefer to speak the truth; I will avoid beating take; you develop a sort of passive attitude, a kind of about the bush or resorting to the usual hackneyed torpor, as if you feel that today is going to be the same phrases.” as tomorrow.”

Question: Since you say you want to be truthful, and Question: So, how should one react? before you begin to tell us how you are living your old age, may I ask how you coped with the death of your “I need an objective dialogue which will help me wife? contemplate the end of my existence on earth without any delusions. Is it up to me to talk about my own “It was tough the first two years. It is very hard to end passing? Personally, I think it is. up alone after many years of a happy life together. I had to adapt; I had to learn things as basic as finding the As a well-known author of detective stories once said: right place for the ‘objects’ I use every day, or getting “Life is a sexually transmitted terminal disease.” used to being on my own at home… Time has by now eased the pain and has taught me how to live alone.” When I reached the age of 75, I began to address the issue of my life’s end, to consider it, to think about what Now, let me answer your question on how I live my decisions you will need to take if you are still able to ‘grand old age’. As I approach what I myself consider take them, or what matters are best decided straight really old age, I am happy to explain my feelings, away, in case you run into a really serious problem that because, now that I am 88 and having lived through might prevent you from deciding anything at all. hard times and encountered many problems with my health, I feel it is important to be able to say how one Then I discussed it with some very close friends, in copes with being old. Nowadays, there is a tendency order to heighten my awareness even more, and to simply to deny old age. discover by talking about it any hidden blockage or reluctance on my part. In this way, I was able, two People often try to get round the fact that they are years later, to consider more serenely a grave illness I getting old, with such catch phrases as ‘I’m still young suffered, and to cope with it calmly. Being able to talk at heart’. about the inevitability of your own demise can relieve you of so many paralyzing thoughts that it is worth It is true that I too sometimes feel more alive at 88 putting these feelings into words, if you are to have any than I did when I was 20, proud as I was then of all my chance of coming to terms lucidly and serenely one day preconceived ideas and unaware of my own ignorance. with the prospect of extreme old age.” This denial of old age is also fostered by friends and acquaintances, who don’t share your life on a daily Question: How does one deal with extreme old age basis. They will say, ‘My, you are still so young!’ successfully? Curiously enough, they never said that a few years back! Sometimes this denial is due to the cultural taboo “By deciding things while you still have the capacity to in our society attached to any mention of death. But all do so; by preparing in advance for the time when you’ll that does in fact is to hide the truth: I am getting old be really old; by taking time to sort out your belongings and I feel it. ” and in so doing to think of others, so that when your January 2011 Page 19

time is up, you will have made things easier for those bring peace to your heart and surround you with an who will have the job of clearing out your house; by atmosphere of good will that helps keeps you alive.” rediscovering inside yourself those old aspirations you had when you were younger. For me, for instance, this Final comment: talking to this friend who is almost has given me a chance to read books by contemporary ninety years old and is so much at peace and clear-headed authors, to visit bookshops where authors are talking has made me scrutinize my own thoughts about what it about their works and even reading selected passages. means to grow old. Gradually you meet new people; you make new friends, which is not easy to do after a certain age. Shake off your We trust our readers will find the subject equally routine; see what new ways are being found of helping interesting and will feel encouraged to react and perhaps older people to find satisfaction and fulfillment in new to share their own experience and recollections, which we activities. shall be happy to publish in the pages of a forthcoming Bulletin. A friendly look or a kind gesture may suddenly appear as unexpected gifts. Getting on well with others will Jacques Bacaly

They have passed away…

Mrs Lucienne BUNTER Mr Francisco DA RIVA Mr John FRANCIS on 22 July 2010 on 7 September 2010 on 18 September 2010

Mrs Nora SCHULI Mr René PRELAZ Mrs Dionisia GARETTO on 15 October 2010 on 7 December 2010 end of December 2010

Mr Nabil KISRAWI Mrs Wanda Kingsten-Kardos on 29 January 2011 on 15 February 2011

A tribute to the wife of our President

In the name of all the members of our Association of ITU former civil servants, we should like to express, dear Fabio, our feelings of deepest sympathy following the sudden passing of your dear wife, Irma, on January 10, 2011, struck down after a crushing illness. Just like a lightning bolt out of a clear blue sky, we are at a loss to understand her premature absence. We take stock of the shock that your children and yourself must now withstand in order to face this vacuum.

We do not doubt that the wealth and abundance of fond memories she leaves behind will be a source of comfort for all her family as well as for the friends who had the privilege to know it.

May we assure you, dear Fabio, of our friendly support and may we take this opportunity also to thank you for your undertakings at the head for our Association.

The members of the Association Committee Page 20 Bulletin of the Association

Comité de l’Association des anciens fonctionnaires de l’UIT Committee of the Former Staff Members’ Association Union internationale des télécommunications Place des Nations – Bureau V23 – CH-1211 Genève 20 Composition Président d’honneur / Honorary Chairman: ...... Jean Balfroid Président / President: ...... Fabio Bigi Vice-Président / Vice-President: ...... Eddy Augsburger Secrétaire / Secretary: ...... Liliane de Michely-Jeanmonod Trésorier / Treasurer: ...... Paulette Clerc Bertinotti assistée de / with the help of Pierre Johner Membres / Members: ...... Jacques Bacaly Répartition des tâches / Distribution of Tasks Liaison avec l’Association des anciens fonctionnaires internationaux Genève (AAFI) / Contacts with the Association of Former Inter- national Civil Servants in Geneva (AFICS): ...... F. Bigi, J. Bacaly Questions de pensions / Pensions: ...... J. Balfroid, E. Augsburger Caisse-maladie / Health Fund: ...... J. Bacaly, E. Augsburger Assurance complémentaire / Complementary Insurance: ...... E. Augsburger, P. Johner Préparation du Bulletin / Preparation of the Bulletin: L. de Michely-Jeanmonod, assistée des autres membres du Comité ainsi que de / with the help of the other members of the Committee as well as F. Sala, G. Araman, P.-A. Traub, P. Whiting, M. Mc Mahon et / and Y. Saunders Activités récréatives / Leisure Activities: ...... B. Bourloud, L. de Michely-Jeanmonod Randonnées / Outings on foot: ...... Jean-Marie Estero, Willy Justrich Informatique et site web / Computer and website: ...... G. Araman, J.-P. Berthet Pour nous contacter / To contact us

Tél. / Tel.: 022 730 55 84 Courriel / E-mail: [email protected] Informatique et site web / Computer and website: http://life.itu.int/retraites er e Permanences / Office opening hours: 1 et 3 mardi du mois – Bureau V23 – bâtiment Varembé de 14 h à 16 h / 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month – Office V23 – Varembé – Building, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Numéros utiles à l’UIT / Useful ITU numbers Secrétariat du Syndicat / Staff Union Secretariat: ...... 022 730 57 99 / www.syndicat.itu.org Service Social / Social Service: ...... 022 730 53 80 / E-mail: [email protected] Pensions: ...... 022 730 53 81 / E-mail: [email protected]

Assurance-maladie / Health Insurance: ...... E-mail: [email protected] Lettres / Mail: A – C Mme C. Perrin: ...... 022 730 58 24 D – L Mme M.-A. Pégorier: ...... 022 730 53 85 M – Z Mme C. Ackley: ...... 022 730 56 84 (uniquement entre 14h00 et 16h00 / between 2 and 4 p.m. only) Assurance complémentaire / Complementary Insurance: Mutuelle Santé Prévoyance Internationale Adresse postale/Postal address: ...... MSPINT.ORG Case postale 5757 CH-1211 Genève 11 Tel.: +41 22 810 39 39 Fax: +41 22 310 39 39 E-mail: [email protected]