International Commission on Civil Status

13th September 2004

The General Assembly of the International Commission on Civil Status will begin in Edinburgh tomorrow - the first time the event has been held in the UK.

It will open at Edinburgh Castle and will run until Friday, discussing civil registration questions including how to prevent fraud, the registration of partnerships, the recognition of names and European civil status.

Welcoming the Commission to Scotland, Registrar General Duncan Macniven said:

"As Scotland's system of civil registration approaches its 150th anniversary, I am proud to welcome the International Commission on Civil Status to Scotland.

"The 150th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, but also to look to the future and I am happy to be doing that in the spirit of international co-operation.

Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC said:

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome the General Assembly to Edinburgh. I am sure that participants will find that Edinburgh is a good place to do business, to enjoy our Scottish hospitality and to have constructive discussions which improve the registration service for the citizens of all our countries."