Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RABAT573
2008-06-20 16:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:
MOROCCO REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR UNESCO DIRECTOR
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHRB #0573 1721622 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 201622Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY RABAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8745 INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 5064 RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 4165 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0828
UNCLAS RABAT 000573
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, PARIS FOR USUNESCO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL SCUL UNESCO MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCO REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR UNESCO DIRECTOR
GENERAL CANDIDATE
The Embassy is in receipt of a diplomatic note, dated June 3,
number 2342, from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
requesting U.S. Government support for the candidacy of
Professor Aziza Bennani, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to
the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO),for the position of Director General
of UNESCO. The full candidate packet will be scanned and
emailed to NEA/MAG. A translation of the diplomatic note is
appended below.
Begin text:
Complimentary opening.
The Kingdom of Morocco has decided to submit the candidacy of
Professor Aziza Bennani, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of
the Kingdom of Morocco to UNESCO, to the position of Director
General of this organization during the elections to be held
in Paris in October 2009.
Enclosed is the curriculum vitae of Professor Aziza Bennani,
a supporting argument to her candidacy, as well as a
biography, that underlines her academic profile, career,
international experience, and deep knowledge of UNESCO, which
make her an excellent candidate for the General Directorate
of this prestigious organization.
It should be noted that none of the previous Directors
General of UNESCO have belonged to the Arab Group. As a
result, and according to the principle of rotation, certainly
not included in the texts, but now in force within the
Organization, candidatures from this group will be supported.
So far, other than Morocco (July 2007),only Egypt has
announced its candidacy (August 2007).
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco
is fully committed to a democratic process. Moreover, it
continues resolutely its political, economic and social
reforms, whose ultimate goal is to make Morocco a modern,
developed and democratic country. The priorities of this
major reform project are human development, the fight against
poverty, the generalization of eduction, the promotion of
women and children's rights, and consolidation of a national
cultural identity.
The Kingdom of Morocco, which fully adheres to
multilateralism and which celebrated last November the 50th
anniversary of its accession to UNESCO, fully supports the
principles and objectives inscribed in its founding Charter,
and its mission in favor of peace. Having made a real
vocation out of the search for peace, it continues to
militate for the values advocated by the United Nations and
which are also its own values. It is now convinced of
UNESCO's responsibility in the consolidation of democracy,
the promotion of development and the establishment of peace
in the world.
Given all these considerations and our common interests
regarding UNESCO, the Government of Morocco, which fully
supports this candidacy, would particularly appreciate the
support that your Government could bring to it.
Complimentary closing.
End text.
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Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
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Riley