Annual meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors ended

On last day of the Annual Meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors, March 4, the question "Education for all" was discussed. In debates, the Goodwill Ambassadors expressed concern with illiteracy among the children, noting majority of children in Africa and Asia cannot even read and write. The Ambassadors condemned involvement of children in hard works, underlined growth of offences and crimes among the juveniles, serious impact of famine on destiny of the children in some countries. They called on the UNESCO to jointly act with the media to remove the problem, noting the developed countries should render humanitarian assistance to the countries facing food crisis.

Director General of UNESCO Matsuura Koichiro summed up the meeting, stating that the next gathering would be held in March 2006. He also updated on preparatory activities related to 60th anniversary of UNESCO, and wished success to the Goodwill Ambassadors.

After the meeting, Azerbaijani masters of art gave a concert in Paris. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva greeted the visitors and spoke of the useful work of her colleagues. Noting that a special program on Azerbaijani mugham is under realization, Mrs. Aliyeva said inclusion of mugham to the cultural heritage has been estimated as an important event for the country.

Taking the floor, the renowned musician Mstislav Rostropovich said he felt proud of his Baku origin. The Maestro spoke of rich musical history of Azerbaijan and informed the audience on mugham.

The People`s Artist of Azerbaijan Firangiz Alizade, who currently lives in Germany, has performed mugham pieces in piano.

After the concert, Mr. Matsuura Koichiro has presented to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva the medal of the Organization and his newly published book.

In answer to the question of Azerbaijani journalists on the activity of Mehriban Aliyeva as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Koichiro noted her activity in protection and preservation of mugham, taking care for the ill children as well deprived of parental care. The UNESCO Director General said he has invited Mrs. Aliyeva to the international exhibition in the frame of UNESCO to be held in June in the city of Nogaya, Japan. A mugham group will take part at the event, he said.

To the question "Whether UNESCO will undertake any measure towards the Armenians` "archeological excavations" in the occupied Azerbaijani city Shusha?" the Director General of UNESCO said the Organization supervised by him is not a political structure and cannot impose any sanctions. At the same time, he condemned destruction of the historical monuments.