February 25^th, 2008

Re. Illegal assembly of UPJ

Dear Mr. President Casanova,

In response to your letter, allow me to express, first of all, my highest appreciation for your democratic enthusiasm, but unfortunately, I must inform you that you are in a great confusion.

Therefore, please be informed that I am taking a one week vacation to Copacabana and on this occasion, I informed the President of the Brazilian Judo Federation, Mr. Wanderly, who is also my friend, about my private visit to Brazil.

Mr. Wanderly expressed his wish to meet me, an initiative which I confirmed. Afterwards, other Presidents of National Federations from the region expressed the same wishes -to discuss problems related to their federations. Of course, like always, I was open to their suggestion.

I would like to mention that it is not a premiere for me. On the occasion of many trips -private or official ones, in the interest of Judo, within Europe, Africa and Asia, I have met the leaders of judo organizations from the countries of the region which I visited. All these meetings were and are helpful for the development and promotion of International Judo.

Never in the course of such visits, have I discussed or would I discuss problems with reference to the structure or politics of a Judo Continental Union, but I have and always will be open to discussions about the support and promotion of Judo in certain countries. As the President of the International Judo Federation, I consider these meetings to be welcome and truly beneficial for our sport.

For the moment, Mr. President, my priority and the priority of the International Judo Federation, is the successful preparation of the Olympic Games in Beijing, as well as the development programs for the 2009 - 2013 period.

I assure you, Mr. President, of the most open collaboration and partnership with the Pan American Judo Union and I suggest that you, as well as your Executive Committee, follow precisely the strategic path of the International Judo Federation.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I wish you great success in following our united strategy.