URUGUAY SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT FOR ITS CANDIDACY TO

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000041 SIPDIS WHA/BSC FOR DASCHBACH ALSO PASS IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UY SUBJECT: URUGUAY SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT FOR ITS CANDIDACY TO UNESCO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ¶1. Embassy Montevideo has received a diplomatic note from the GOU indicating Uruguay's intention to present its candidacy as a member of the UNESCO Executive Council for the period 2010-2013 in election to be held during the XXXV General Conference of the organization 6-23 October 2009 in Paris, France. ¶2. Unofficial translation of diplomatic note text from GOU Ministry of Foreign Affairs follows: -- Begin Unofficial Translation -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Secretariat of Political Affairs - Department of Multilateral Affairs - presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to make known that the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay has presented its candidacy as a member of the UNESCO Executive Council for the period 2010-2013, in the elections to be held during the XXXV General Conference of the Organization, from 6-23 October 2009, in Paris, France. Uruguay has historically demonstrated a commitment to the goals and purposes of UNESCO from its inception. We recall that one of the few times that the UNESCO General Assembly met outside of its Paris headquarters took place in Montevideo. Our country effectively assigns UNESCO a priority place in the context of the intergovernmental organizations of the United Nations, as a living forum for issues central to the international community such as education, culture and science. This integrated vision has manifested itself, among other forms, in the emphasis that our Delegation has placed on the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This active role is recognized in all areas of UNESCO and in particular on the Executive Council. In the last period, the Permanent Delegation to the Organization and the Delegate to the Council have been involved in the major debates; especially in the discussion of the programs that reflect the five major objectives of UNESCO. Uruguay has played a positive role in the creation, discussion and approval of the Conventions for Protecting and Promoting Diversity in Cultural Expression, for the Safekeeping of Important Cultural Heritage, the themes of Bioethics and Human Rights, and finally in the presentation of the proposal for "Creation of a Network of National Authorities to Support Migrants who are Victims of Discrimination and Xenophobia" as well as its presentation of "Candombe and its Place in Social Culture", to be recognized as Important Cultural Heritage. The National Commission for UNESCO has strengthened since 2005, as well as its relationship with the various aspects of UNESCO in Uruguay. All this with the goal of combining responsibilities and in the vein of South-to-South cooperation such as the activities that have been developed in MOST while Montevideo is one of the sub-headquarters, the VOZ Program for those without a voice, and the Network of Latin-American Cities Against Xenophobia, Discrimination and Racism. Respecting the concept of rotation of the member states of the regions and of the responsibilities at the heart of the organization, our country did not present its candidacy for re-election to the Executive Council at the 2007 General Conference, despite having completed its assigned responsibilities as the Vice President for GRULAC of the Executive Board of the Council during the period 2005-2007. In virtue of the accumulated experience and support provided, our country legitimately aspires to once again take on the responsibility in the area of the Executive Council, in order to deepen collaboration and obtain greater cooperation from the various UNESCO programs, as well as continue to further the agenda of cooperation for peace. Taking into account the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our countries, the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay would greatly value the support that the Government of the United States could provide for the aforementioned candidacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Secretariat for Political Affairs - Department of Multilateral Affairs - takes this opportunity to reiterate to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Montevideo, 8 January 2009 -- End Unofficial Translation -- ¶3. Post would appreciate Department's guidance regarding U.S. support of this candidacy. Matthewman