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TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Here are some tips for Community participants who will be joining us in Geneva next summer. A word for the wise: some formalities (applying for passports, visas) can take a while to complete. That’s why we are giving you these tips early on, so that you will be aware of possible delays and start putting together your travel documents in time for Geneva 98.

1. You need a valid passport to enter Switzerland. People from the EU can enter with an official ID card, or an expired passport, up to five years from its expiry date.

2. You may need a visa. There is a very long list of countries and territories whose residents are required to obtain a visa for Switzerland. Contact the Swiss embassy or consulate closest to you to find out if this restriction applies to the country in which you live.

3. Depending on the route you will be travelling, you may have to clear immigration first in another country. France, for instance is a common intermediary point in getting to Switzerland. Make sure you have visas or transit visas for any stopping point on your journey. For those who plan to lodge across the border in France during the Conference, a Multiple Entry Visa for France can be applied for at the French Embassy or Consulate nearest to you.

4. There are no specific restrictions on people living with HIV/AIDS entering Switzerland. If you are taking prescription drugs, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription with you to avoid hassle when crossing borders. You won’t need vaccinations to enter Switzerland either. Again, if you are passing through other countries, these rules may not apply: it’s a good idea to find this out at the same time you are undertaking other travel formalities.

WELCOME TO THE CLN

Bienvenue à Genève! And welcome to Le Pont, which is part of a larger information and communication project, the Community Liaison Network (CLN).

The CLN is a project which has its roots in an idea developed by local community representatives who returned from Vancouver a year ago. It has three aspects. One is in print: Le Pont. It will do the basic work of keeping Community participants abreast of the Community Aspects of Geneva 98, as well as giving news on the Conference’s other sectors.

The second is human. We are setting up a worldwide network of Key Correspondents. In each of the six global regions, we are identifying people whose work in the HIV/AIDS Community field has singled them out as advocates for their constituencies’ needs and spokespersons for their achievements. The Key Correspondents’ mandate is to gather and disseminate information about the Conference around their regions and their communities.

The third aspect of the CLN is electronic. We invite all our readers to visit the Geneva 98 Web site (http://www.aids98.ch) for further information on this part of the CLN.

The CLN is first and foremost a network. As such, we are doing our best to make it as user-friendly and accessible as possible. We are counting on the support and participation of the global HIV/AIDS Community in this project to make it truly interactive. It will help us prepare an event, which many of us have found to be an unparalleled opportunity of exchange and learning to better fight the AIDS pandemic.

THE COMMUNITY STAFF

We feel that a short introduction to our team will be helpful to our readers.

Ken MORRISON, the Community Co-ordinator heads the Conference Secretariat Community Staff. A native of Canada, Ken’s long-time involvement with HIV/AIDS education, prevention, human rights activism and research, nationally and internationally, have contributed to his outstanding organisational and training skills. His efficient and humorous style of Community leadership makes him an ideal role model for the Geneva 98 staff.

Dominic VUICHARD, Community Project Manager, co-ordinates many of the Community projects, under the guidance of the Local Community Committee. His work ensures proper and efficient logistical support for all Community events. A Swiss national, and resident of Geneva, Dominic’s experience as field worker for the International Committee of the Red Cross has trained him to provide efficient organisation under often-critical circumstances.

Margaret DUCKETT is the Community Rendez-Vous Co-ordinator. She is responsible for programming the content of this event, as well as the Community Symposia, Orientation and Summary sessions. Her groundbreaking work in the Community response to AIDS in Australia and her private consultancy work on HIV/AIDS in the Asia/Pacific region, are among the many reasons that make Margaret an invaluable member of our team.

Behind the Community Liaison Network, and the pages of Le Pont, hides the Community Liaison Officer, Christopher PARK. A first-generation Canadian, of French and Scottish parents, he bridged his own transatlantic gap three years ago by settling in Switzerland where he worked with a local PWA organisation’s information outreach. He brings to his job the skills with languages and text, which he has acquired as a translator, an academic and a communications worker.

A Skills Building Co-ordinator will soon be joining the Community team

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