The German domain name registry DENIC and ICANN, the international Internet coordination organisation, have described their respective responsibilities in an exchange of letters and, with that, created a basis for a more formal co-operation. These letters acknowledge the responsibility of DENIC for all matters concerning .de-domain names. DENIC commits itself to continue to fulfil its duties as the manager of .de following the accepted international rules for the benefit of the whole Internet community. ICANN ensures the smooth operation of the Root Name servers and will keep all records related to the Top Level Domains .de up to date, based on the information DENIC provides for them. These duties, commonly called IANA functions, are of vital importance for the operation of the Internet. Consequently, DENIC will appropriately participate in funding these functions.

“The written fixation of DENIC’s co-operation with ICANN provides it with a stable basis”, said Sabine Dolderer, Member of DENIC’s Executive Board. “For DENIC, being the manager of the world largest country code Top Level Domain, it was very important that both partners work together on a common foundation which builds up on the principles of self-regulation and the proven bottom-up-process.” Commenting on the letter exchange with DENIC, Dr Paul Twomey, President and CEO of ICANN said: “We are pleased that this exchange of letters has taken place and we look forward to a continuation of the mutually beneficial relationship with DENIC.”

Please note also ICANN's Press Release on this topic.