The following meetings are scheduled and confirmed for the political parties participating in the ALD symposium. 1.Members of congress .Sub-committee on Africa ·Congressional Black Caucus 2.U.S. Department of States 3.International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) Mission Statement: The purpose of the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) is to provide technical, electoral, and other related assistance to emerging, evolving, and established democracies, and to serve as a clearinghouse of worldwide information. IFES exist to help democracies build lasting democratic systems. The Foundation firmly believes that each nation requiring assistance must adapt democratic electoral systems in a way that takes into consideration their unique social, cultural, and environmental influences, IFES recognize that democracy is a dynamic process and that there is no single blueprint for democracy. IFES is nonpartisan, multinational, and interdisciplinary in its approach to providing assistance. IFES is dedicated to providing assistance in the area of democratic development to support the task of ensuring that democracy, as the preferred form of government throughout the world, will endure. 4.National Democratic Institute (NDI) Mission Statement: NDI is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. We look forward to welcoming all of you for the ALD celebrations. Till then, take care. James Gomez, Jr., Latjor Ndow, Astrid Christensen-Tasong ALD Conference Organizing Committee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------