30 June 2009….

Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry stated that the Algerian Foreign Minister notified Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, that Mr. Mohamed Bedgawy who has been nominated by an Asian country to the position of UNESCO Director- General, has withdrawn his nomination.

The Spokesman said that Aboul Gheit thanked his Algerian counterpart, considering this fine gesture to gather support for one Arab candidate; Minister Farouk Hosni.

On the other hand, the Spokesman said that the African committee for nominations, held in the Libyan city of Sirte has endorsed the nomination of Minister Farouk Hosni as the African candidate for the position. The Spokesman outlined that these developments has renewed the impetus the Egyptian candidate has for assuming this office.