CHILE EAGER FOR INFORMATION ON UNESCO CANDIDATES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 001109 SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/UNESCO--KELLY SIEKMANKO PARIS PLEASE PASS TO US MISSION TO UNESCO E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2018 TAGS: PREL SCUL UNESCO CI SUBJECT: CHILE EAGER FOR INFORMATION ON UNESCO CANDIDATES REF: STATE 130914 Classified By: E/Pol Chief Juan Alsace for reason 1.4 (b) (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Jaime Acuna, Director of the MFA's Multilateral Affairs Department, on December 17. Acuna said that he was aware of the Egyptian and Brazilian candidates, and understood that the Egyptian candidate was the front-runner. Acuna was eager for U.S. input and listened attentively to reftel points. He remarked that Hosni's statement about burning Israeli books in Egyptian libraries was indeed inimical to UNESCO values, but also downplayed the remark, saying it was likely made only to gain domestic political capital. Acuna was not aware that Eastern Europe and Latin America also have potential claims on the UNESCO position, and said he would consider the U.S. position carefully and discuss with others at the MFA. Post will report any further response. SIMONS