I'm sure you're aware of the 'letter writing' campaign that has been initiated by OH2BH, W3UR, etc, to solicit favorable consideration by the ARRL to retroactively change the DXCC rules to accept Kosova as a new DXCC entity, effective February 17, 2008. (And consequently approve the YU8/OH2R operation as counting for the new entity.) *I am opposed to changing the DXCC entity rules retroactively, after the fact.* While I personally think that accepting Kosova as a new DXCC entity is a noble and moral idea, the idea of changing the rules *after *the operation is over simply does not smell right to me, and would lead to many questioning the integrity of the DXCC program. I am well aware that among the DX community there is a large group of 'Martti haters', that oppose the proposed rule change simply because Martti/OH2BH is involved. I am emphatically *not *among that group. I have been, and remain a big 'fan' of OH2BH/N7NG/W3UR, and have become weary of listening to what seems to be incessant whining by those who dislike Martti for reasons that were and remain unclear to me. I have always admired Martti and continue to hold him in the highest regard. But my opposition to the proposed DXCC rule change to accommodate the 'unique' situation in Kosova has nothing to do with who supports/opposes it. (If personalities *were *the only thing involved, I'd be strongly in *favor *of the change.) My opposition is based on my belief that it is generally ill advised to change the rules after the 'game has been played', and I see this situation as just that. In addition, I would be *very *cautious about changing the DXCC rules in the future to accommodate the 'Kosova' situation. I can imagine future cases where a group 'declares independence', is recognized by some other country, but the moral legitimacy is counter to what we in the USA believe. Recognizing Kosova as a new entity, even though it does not meet UN membership or ITU call sign block assignment criteria sounds good 'this time', but if we change the rules to recognize Kosova, we may find ourselves forced to recognize other 'entities' that have no real validity or legitimacy. (E.g. the Indian tribe that declared it's 'independence' from the USA some years ago.) I trust your integrity and judgment for what influence you may have in this issue, but felt compelled to voice my opinion as a counter to the many 'pro-Kosova' cards I suspect that you will receive. ---------------------------------------------------- 73, Bob -- W6RGG