Culture Minister Farouk Hosni Sunday 12/8/2007 called on Arab countries to concur on a single candidate for the post of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) director-general.

"If there is more than one Arab candidate, the chances that an Arab will land the prestigious job will be slim," he said in statements after a meeting with the working group tasked with campaigning for his nomination.

"Meantime, President Hosni Mubarak contacted French President Nicolas Sarkozy to garner France's support and he got an initial approval," the Culture Minister said.

He said nominations for the post will be raised at an Arab foreign ministerial meeting on September 5 as well as meetings of the Arab culture ministers in Algiers in November.

Hosni said the working group comprising representatives of the ministries of higher education and scientific research are entrusted with drumming up, over two years, Arab support for Egypt's nomines.

The UNESCO also works to create the conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilisation and culture.