Mr Raheen will preside over the first session of the International Coordination Committee (ICC) for the Safeguarding of Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage being held at UNESCO Headquarters, from 16 to 18 June (Media Advisory 2003-52 at www.unesco.org/bpi)

During the meeting, held in the presence of the Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, Mr Zahir Aziz, the Director-General and the Minister of Information and Culture took stock of the state of cooperation between UNESCO and Afghanistan in the fields of culture and communication.

Mr Raheen thanked the Director-General for the support offered by UNESCO in the creation of the Kabul press centre, which acts not only as a place of work for journalists but also as a meeting place permitting cultural exchange.

Concerning Afghan cultural heritage, the progress of UNESCO projects was discussed, in particular the Bamiyan site, the consolidation work of the minarets of Jam and Heart, and the restoration of the Kabul Museum. The Director-General was pleased to learn that the application for Bamiyan to be inscribed on the World Heritage List was finalized in time for examination during the 27th session of the World Heritage Committee scheduled for 30 June next.

Mr Raheen accepted the invitation of Mr Matsuura to participate, on Saturday, 14 June, in the closing of the third intergovernmental session of experts on the preliminary draft convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, which has been held at UNESCO since 2 June last; the group is to submit a preliminary draft convention to the General Conference at its next session, in October 2003.

The Director-General and the Afghan Minister of Information and Culture will meet again on Monday, 16 June, at the opening of the plenary session of the ICC, which will bring together some 40 experts in the presence of representatives of the Member States that have contributed to these Afghan cultural heritage safeguarding activities. They will examine the progress of initiatives in this area and recommend measures to ensure sound coordination.

Mr Matsuura and Mr Raheen will also attend that evening the preview screening of the feature film Osama, directed by Sedigh Barmak, who will receive, on the same occasion, UNESCO’s Fellini Silver Medal. (Media Advisory 2003-51)