Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BUENOSAIRES817
2009-07-13 21:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Buenos Aires
Cable title:  

ARGENTINE CANDIDATE FOR UNESCO SEEKS SUPPORT

Tags:  PREL SCUL AORC UNESCO AR 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBU #0817 1942106
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 132106Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4059
INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 1518
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0305
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 0770
UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000817 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SCUL AORC UNESCO AR
SUBJECT: ARGENTINE CANDIDATE FOR UNESCO SEEKS SUPPORT

REF: SIEKMAN-CRAIG 7/6/09 E-MAIL

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000817

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SCUL AORC UNESCO AR
SUBJECT: ARGENTINE CANDIDATE FOR UNESCO SEEKS SUPPORT

REF: SIEKMAN-CRAIG 7/6/09 E-MAIL


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Daniel Filmus, Argentina's former Minister
of Education, Science, and Technology, is now running for
President of UNESCO 35th Conference. He seeks U.S. support
for his candidacy. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) The Argentine MFA hosted a meeting for chiefs of
mission on July 8 to provide Filmus with a forum to outline
his platform and cultivate support in the international
community. He is a close political ally of Argentina's
ruling first couple who ran with their backing for Buenos
Aires mayor against Mauricio Macri in 2007. After an
introduction by Deputy Foreign Minister Vittorio Taccetti,
Filmus gave a presentation that stressed UNESCO's role in the
promotion of human rights; increased access to scientific and
technological innovation; sustainable development and poverty
eradication; and cultural preservation. Filmus especially
emphasized linguistic and cultural preservation, the
importance of cultural diversity and exchanges, and increased
access to education and technology as a means to encourage
development. Filmus also spoke on themes of climate change
and globalization, and expressed his desire for UNESCO to
approach these problems through "inclusive and innovative"
projects. Following his presentation, the representatives of
Italy, Algeria, and Brazil endorsed his candidacy during the
question-and-answer segment.


3. (SBU) Following the meeting, Filmus told the CDA that he
would appreciate the USG's consideration of his candidacy.
He cited, as arguments in his favor, Argentina's work with
the WEOG in UNESCO, and the GOA's proclivity to vote with the
USG on most UNESCO-related votes.
KELLY