VIETNAM SEEKS POSITION ON UNESCO EXECUTIVE BOARD

UNCLAS HANOI 000534 FOR IO/UNP AND EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UNESCO VM SUBJECT: VIETNAM SEEKS POSITION ON UNESCO EXECUTIVE BOARD ¶1. Post is relaying the unofficial translation text of GVN Diplomatic Note No. 272/NG-VHDN-UNESCO. Originals will be sent via email and pouch. ¶2. Begin text: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam presents its compliments to the Embassy of United States of America in Hanoi, and has the honour to inform the latter that the Government of Vietnam has decided to stand for the membership of the Executive Board of UNESCO for the term of 2009-2013 at the election to be held during the 35th session of UNESCO's General Conference in October 2009 in Paris, France. In the past years since joining UNESCO, Vietnam has been one of the active Member States making significant contributions to UNESCO activities, regionally and internationally. Vietnam has been elected member of various important organs of UNESCO such as the UNESCO Executive Board (1978-1983 and 2001-2005),the Intergovernmental Committee of MAB (2005-2009),the International Committee of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2006-2010),Vice-Chairman of UNESCO Executive Board (2001-2003),Vice-Chairman of the International Coordinating Council of MAB (2007-2008) ... With its accumulated experiences, active participation and effective contributions, Vietnam has been so far recognized and highly appreciated by UNESCO and its Member States. The Government of Vietnam believes that being Member of the Executive Board, Vietnam can surely make further effective contributions to the success of UNESCO in all fields of its competence. In this regard and given the close and friendly relations between the two countries, the Government of Vietnam has the honour to kindly request the valuable support given by the Government of United States of America to Vietnam's candidature for the membership of UNESCO Executive Board for the term 2009-2013 at the forthcoming election. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of United States of America in Hanoi the assurances of its highest consideration. Hanoi, 03 June 2009 cc. Permanent Delegation of United States of America to UNESCO Paris End text. PALMER