European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, withdrew Sunday from the race for UNESCO Director General, ahead of the fourth round of voting Monday. Photo by ec.europa.eu
European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner is withdrawing from her run for the post of UNESCO Director General
The news was reported by the Bulgarian information Agency BGNES Sunday.
Her decision is in the interest of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and European unity, Ferrero-Waldner's statement says.
This decision leaves three main contenders - the Egyptian candidate, Faruq Hosni, who enjoys a comfortable lead over the Bulgarian nominee, current Ambassador to France, Irina Bokova, and Ecuador's Ivonne Baki.
Benin, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and the United Republic of Tanzania withdrew their candidates before the third round.