CZECHS PREFER WAITING FOR BETTER UNESCO D-G

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000802 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2011 TAGS: PREL UNESCO EZ EUN SUBJECT: CZECHS PREFER WAITING FOR BETTER UNESCO D-G CANDIDATES TO EMERGE REF: STATE 130916 Classified By: POLEC Counselor Charles O. Blaha for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs UN Department officer Milan Kunar commented that the Czechs have serious reservations about Egypt's anticipated candidate for UNESCO Director-General, Culture Minister Farouk Hosni. Like the USG, the GOCR does not believe he is the right person for the job. Kunar stated that the Czechs would prefer a candidate with strong managerial experience as well as someone that is non-controversial. The Czechs are aware that Lithuania has fielded a candidate and that possible candidates from Hungary, Bulgaria and Brazil may emerge. They have also heardthat Morocco considered fielding a candidate. Given that the UNESCO Director-General application deadline is May 31, 2009, the Czechs indicated that they plan to wait for additional, stronger candidates to emerge. The UN Department plans to make any decision on this subject in consultation with their colleagues at the mission in New York. Thompson-Jones