UNESCO CULTURAL DIVERSITY VOTE: EGYPT OPPOSED

UNCLAS CAIRO 008078

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG UNGA UNSC UNESCO
SUBJECT: UNESCO CULTURAL DIVERSITY VOTE: EGYPT OPPOSED
LINKS BETWEEN CONVENTION AND TRADE

REF: A. STATE 192656

B. CAIRO 7841 (NOTAL)

This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please treat
accordingly.


1. (SBU) Post delivered reftel demarche and diplomatic note
October 19 to MFA Assistant Minister for International
Cultural Affairs, Ambassador Sallama Shaker, requesting GOE
support for our position on the UNESCO Cultural Diversity
vote expected to occur October 20 in Paris. Shaker's Chief
of Staff, Ms. Heba Labib Zerd, told poloff that she would
convey the U.S. message to her Minister and to the Egyptian
delegation in Paris. During an earlier discussion on the
same topic, Zerd conveyed that Egypt was opposed to any
efforts that would link the Convention to limitations on
trade.


2. (SBU) Econoff also delivered reftel demarche October 19
to Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry First Assistant to
the Minister, Dr. Samiha Fawzy, requesting a clear statement
by the Egyptian delegation in Paris that the Convention will
not be used to restrict trade or the free flow of information.


RICCIARDONE