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Netanyahu lifts objection to anti-Israel Egyptian minister as head of UNESCO By Barak Ravid, Haaretz COrrespondent Tags: Egypt, Israel NEws, UNESCO  Israel agreed to lift its objection to the appointment of Egypt's vehemently anti-Israeli culture minister as head of UNESCO, following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Farouk Hosni, who has served as Egypt's culture minister since 1987, has declared that if he could, he "would burn Israeli books in Egyptian libraries." Despite such rhetoric, Hosni is a leading candidate for the top spot in the UN's education and cultural organization, having been recommended by Mubarak. As part of a secret agreement, reached during their May 11 meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Netanyahu promised Mubarak that Israel would cease the international campaign it has waged against Hosni's appointment during the past year. It is still unclear whether Netanyahu, who is known for his insistence on the principle of quid pro quo in Israel's relations with the Arab world, received something from the Egyptian leader in return. Advertisement Exact details of the "arrangement" between Netanyahu and Mubarak were kept secret and were not reported to the media, even though such practice would constitute a radical change of Israeli policy. However, a senior source in the Prime Minister's Office confirmed the development, but insisted the decision was made following a personal request by Egypt's president and several European leaders. Moreover, the source said Israel's gesture was part of a broader set of understandings, in which Egypt will respond in similar fashion at a future gesture. "We received a substantive and worthwhile return. We would not have done this unless Israel's interests benefited," the source said. Netanyahu's promise to lift Israel's objections contradicts the position of the Foreign Ministry. The instructions from the Prime Minister's Bureau caught Foreign Ministry officials by surprise; the ministry subsequently circulated a telegram on the new directive to several Israeli delegations abroad who had until then been waging a public and diplomatic campaign against Hosni's appointment to UNESCO. "Following Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Egypt, and at the request of President Mubarak and in line with understandings with Egypt, Israel has decided to lift its objections to the appointment of Farouk Hosni to the post of UNESCO secretary-general, changing our position to not-opposed," the classified telegram dated 14 May reads. Netanyahu has said on several occasions recently that he is interested in normalizing ties with the Arab world. However, Hosni has stood at the forefront of Egyptian opposition to a normalization of ties with Israel. The Egyptian culture minister is strongly opposed to normalizing relations with Israel and made public anti-Israel statements, which drew attention because of their implied anti-Semitism. As culture minister, Hosni banned Israeli films from international film festivals in Cairo and forbid an Israeli book stand at the international book fair there. Hosni has also been quoted in the media as saying that Israel and the Jews are not cultured and steal from the cultural heritage of other nations. Following criticism, Hosni gave a conciliatory interview to Yedioth Ahronoth. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Double threat 'Israel likely to face simultaneous missile strikes, terror attacks in future war.' Pet Shop Boys in Israel British pop icons are set to play a one-off performance in Tel Aviv in July.   1.   What`s next, a nazi for anti-racism position? 06:49  |  Dan 25/05/09

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