This appears on TKD Times magazine website, along with other information about
the world championships in Russia, the re-election of Dr. Chang Ung, as well as
reports about Dr. Choue re-election & the WTF world championships.
Very nice to see this move forward.

The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) under the leadership of
International Olympic Committee Member Prof. Chang Ung met with representatives
of the ITF under the leadership of Grandmaster Tran Trieu Quan to discuss the
reunification of the two groups. The meeting took place in Vienna Austria on
September 12, 2009. Those representing Prof. Chang Ung were Master Anto Nobilo,
President of the European Taekwon-Do Federation, Mr. Ri Yong Son, Executive
Director General and Mr. Kim Chol Gyu, Treasurer. The representatives of
Grandmaster Tran were Master Willem Jacob Bos, Secretary General and Master Juan
Ferrando, Vice President. The discussions were very productive and afterwards
the participants were invited to dinner by Prof. Chang Ung.

Master Nobilo, who also is a member of the Merger Committee for talks with the
World Taekwondo Federation made a complete report to the Executive Board on
October 12, 2009 at the World Championships in St. Petersburg Russia. The report
was well received by the Board. The following night the information was
presented to the Congress, which was attended by 82 countries. Master Nobilo
expressed his great optimism for the scheduled future talks. He advised the
entire Congress that Masters Bos and Ferrando would report to their respective
Board and Congress in Argentina at their next scheduled Congress meeting on
November 27, 2009 during their upcoming World Championships. Pending approval to
move forward by that Body, a subsequent meeting has been tentatively set for the
time frame of early December of 2009. This news was warmly embraced by the
membership of Prof. Chang Ung.

When Master Nobilo addressed the Congress he spoke of the long time friendships
that many have developed over the years. He said these relationships had in many
cases become like family. Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha, the first person promoted to
IX Dan by the Founder Gen. Choi Hong Hi and current Senior Vice President often
states the ITF also means International Taekwon-Do Family. Master Nobilo closed
by saying we must bring our family together again.

The ITF suffered some fragmentation surrounding the passing of the Founder Gen.
Choi in 2002. Since that time this unfortunate division has resulted in each
group hosting separate World Championships. With the preliminary plans outlined
during the initial meeting, the World Championships will again become one event
for all. Many of the newer students and those coming of age now deserve this and
more. The ITF remains committed to this laudable goal.

While it is understood that complex negotiations take time and can be difficult,
these preliminary plans address the need for open and honest dialogue over a
period of time, along with a transition period to help the process develop. Like
all difficult tasks that Taekwon-Do students often face, adhering to the tenets
of Taekwon-Do will empower those tasked with this all important assignment to
succeed.
We call upon all, those directly involved and every student that watches from
across the globe as these discussions continue and evolve, to talk with honesty
and integrity. To exercise self control and perseverance, no matter how
difficult or challenging the talks become; and to demonstrate indomitable spirit
by showing the courage to work towards a compromise that will bring us all
together for the benefit of all. This is how we can best support, preserve and
share the legacy of our beloved Founder. We eagerly look forward to another
positive response to this preliminary plan on November 27, 2009, so these
discussions can move to the next step.