Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope that every one had a pleasant trip up to Montr‚al. I do hope also that the accommodations are satisfactory.
RCI has a team here who can help you in making your stay worthwhile and enjoyable. Please do not hesitate to call on them to help you. RCI personnel will be present most of the time at the Secretariat of the conference, but you can also recognise them by the red dot on their name tag.
I would like to welcome you officially on behalf of Radio Canada International, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Societe Radio-Canada, to the HFCC Conference.
Along the years, many HFCC meetings have been held in Europe, then in Africa, and Asia. I think that the timing is perfect to hold a meeting in the Americas. It confirms your organisation in its global role and perspective. RCI is proud to host this first meeting on this continent, specially this year, which marks the 10th anniversary of the HFCC. Bienvenue au Canada, bienvenue a Montreal.
RCI believes that the usage of Short Waves is an important platform for international broadcasting. The work that will be performed during this week is of prime importance to us and to the whole international broadcasting community as well. The sharing of our expertise and of our needs, the fruitful negotiations and the positive spirit of collaboration will not only result in better audibility for all of our services, but also shows the importance of multilateral talks and discussions as a necessary step to resolve potential difficulties and incompatibilities.
The Montreal Film Festival is on this week and there are many other activities happening. Our team is dedicated to making your stay enjoyable, please do not hesitate to call on us.
I wish you all a fruitful conference and a pleasant stay.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.