LETTERS ON UNESCO CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONVENTION

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002857

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT PASS USTR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ES PREL SCUL UNESCO
SUBJECT: LETTERS ON UNESCO CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONVENTION
DELIVERED

REF: A. A) SECSTATE 184292


B. B) SECSTATE 170909


1. Post delivered ref A letter to the office of the Minister
of Economy on October 17. A key aide to the Minister agreed
to inform the Minister of Secretary Gutierrez' letter as the
Minister was in Guatemala to attend events related to the
Secretary's visit to the region. Post also delivered ref A

SIPDIS
letter, through Charge, on October 7 to the Foreign Minister.
The Foreign Minister was on travel during the week of
October 10; neither he nor his staff have been available to
comment on the issue.


2. Contacts by Econcouns indicate that there is concern in
the private sector about the convention. The Executive
Director of the American Chamber of Commerce told Econ
Counselor that the he had been contacted by the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce about the UNESCO issue and would seek an
appointment with GOES officials to express AmCham concerns.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El
Salvador listened with interest when Econcouns raised the
issue. Post is sharing information with these organizations
to encourage them to weigh in on the issue with the GOES.
Barclay