CZECH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON USG CANDIDACY FOR

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001026 SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR EUR/ERA AND IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SCUL EZ EUN UNESCO SUBJECT: CZECH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON USG CANDIDACY FOR SEAT ON WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE REF: STATE 122739 ¶1. (U) This message is Sensitive But Unclassified-Not for Internet Distribution. ¶2. (SBU) On July 8, we delivered the diplomatic note in reftel regarding the U.S. intention to seek World Heritage Committee membership with Mr. Jan Kara, Director of the UN Department at the MFA. Kara informed PolCouns that although this year there is a long list of candidates, he has "no doubts" that the US will be among the twelve Committee members elected. Kara also indicated that while the GOCR has not finalized its list of candidates that it will suppport, the U.S. will undoubtedly be on that list. In addition, Kara discussed generally the GOCR's support for bilateral cultural restoration projects in Iraq, some of which are under discussion within UNESCO and asked for USG support. We agreed that once the Czechs have identified their priorities and know which projects UNESCO will support, we would be happy to discuss it further. CABANISS