Matsuura of Japan Re-Appointed as UNESCO Chief

Koïchiro Matsuura of Japan Re-Appointed as UNESCO Chief

New York, Oct 12 2005 2:00PM

The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) meeting in Paris today reappointed Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura to another four years as leader of the agency.

Mr. Matsuura said that he was deeply moved and proud of the expression of continued confidence in him, and pledged to make UNESCO "more and more effective and relevant to the needs of a constantly evolving world."

Mr. Matsuura was elected to his first six-year post in 1999, but following reforms created by the Conference, he can only serve a second term for four additional years. The General Conference, consisting of 191 members, is UNESCO's ruling body.

Besides his previous six years as Director-General of the agency, the Tokyo-born Mr. Matsuura was previously Chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. He was Japan's Ambassador to France for five years, and served his country as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and various other high-level government appointments.

ENDS

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