ICANN's latest proposal on registry agreements for new TLD operators has come to a stand still as the new agreement specifcally indicates that new TLD operators can only use domain registrars that have officially signed the NEW Registrar Accreditation Agreemtn with ICANN. The huge problem that TLD operators are facing is that the RAA does not exist yet.

So let's see what Michele Neylon of Blacknight (registrar) submitted to ICANN.

"What is ICANN’s rationale for this criterion?

While it would be expected that ICANN accredited registrars party to an RAA would be used, this document specifies a version of the RAA that currently does not exist.

Does this mean that ICANN wants to drive a “wedge” between registrars and new TLD applicants?

Or does this mean that ICANN does not trust those of us who are on the 2009 RAA?

The RAA negotiations are currently ongoing and while they may be concluded shortly any agreement that comes out of the negotiations should be agreed to on its own merits ie. without this form of external pressure.

Or is it ICANN’s intention to use any delay with the RAA as an excuse for delaying the launch of new TLDs?

A rational explanation for this specific clause would be appreciated."

What's your take on this stand-still?