World Council of Whalers - The United Voice of Whaling Peoples

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Invitaion from Faroe Islands Prime Minister, Affinn Kallsberg

Tom Mexis Happynook, Chairman
World Council of Whalers
P.O. Box 291
Brentwood Bay, B.c. V8M1R3
Canada 18.02.02

Dear Mr Happynook,

The Government of the Faroe Islands is very pleased that the WorId Council of Whalers has decided to hold its next General Assembly here in the Faroe Islands from 26 to 29 September this year and we look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to Tórshavn.

As you know, the Faroes have a long history of utilising whales for food. Our traditional and sustainable drive hunt of pilot whales has adapted to many changes in Faroese society over the years and continues to play an important role in our national economy and culture.

International focus on whales and whaling in recent decades has also taught us the vital importance of providing information and sharing our experiences and approaches to conservation and management with others. There is a need to enhance international understanding of the fact that the goal of sustainable utilisation applies to all living resources - including whales.

I therefore welcome the initiative of the WorId Council of Whalers to gather representatives from whaling communities around the world to meet and share their views and aspirations for the future. I know that Faroese representatives have benefited greatly from their participation at past Assemblies of your organisation.

Not least, we welcome the opportunity to extend the close cooperation we have with our North Atlantic neighbours to a broader network of cooperation and information exchange on issues related to whaling. We look forward to meeting and welcoming representatives from as far a field as the South Pacific, North Pacific, North America and the Arctic, together with OUI nearest North Atlantic friends, here in the Faroes later this year.

May I wish you all the very best for the organisation of the event and assure you of the full support of our administration in your efforts.

Yours sincerely,

Anfinn Kallsberg
Prime Minister