Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PARIS3429
2006-05-22 13:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Paris
Cable title:  

USUNESCO HOSTS RECEPTION FOR MAY CHIDIAC

Tags:  SCUL LE UNESCO 
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221318Z May 06
UNCLAS PARIS 003429 

SIPDIS

FROM US MISSION UNESCO PARIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL LE UNESCO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO HOSTS RECEPTION FOR MAY CHIDIAC


UNCLAS PARIS 003429

SIPDIS

FROM US MISSION UNESCO PARIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL LE UNESCO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO HOSTS RECEPTION FOR MAY CHIDIAC



1. Ambassador Oliver hosted a reception in honor of the well-known
Lebanese television journalist May Chidiac yesterday evening, May
18th, at the Ambassador's residence. Chidiac was awarded UNESCO's
Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Day Prize in April in recognition
of her courage in defending and promoting freedom of the press.


2. Chidiac, a journalist with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation
International (LBCI),was injured in September 2005 in a series of
bombings in Lebanon targeting Christians and critics of Syria and
lost a leg and an arm in the attack. She is currently in France for
medical treatment. Chidiac said she plans to return to work next
month and had announced her candidacy for the vacant Maronite seat
in Lebanon's Baabda-Aley by-election. She mentioned that she has
been forced to withdraw her name for the seat because of health
problems, but hopes to reconsider running in the future. She was
accompanied by members of her family, Lebanon's Ambassador to
UNESCO, and several prominent Lebanese governmental and legislative
officials.


3. The reception was extremely well attended and included, notably,
the presence of UNESCO's Director General Matsuura, UNESCO's Deputy
Director Barbosa, and dozens of Ambassadors and delegation
representatives. Visiting IO Deputy Assistant Secretary, James
Warlick, read and presented a letter from Secretary Rice to Ms.
Chidiac, who said she was extremely honored by the gesture.


4. In introducing Ms. Chidiac, Ambassador Oliver described her as
a symbol of courage and freedom. Many of those present commented on
how much they appreciated the opportunity to meet Ms. Chidiac, and
the Ambassador's kindness in hosting the event. Ms. Chidiac, in
remarks that were extremely moving, promised to continue her work
and said she would not be intimidated or threatened into silence.
The event was covered both by Lebanese television and other print
journalists.
KOSS