UNESCO

Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (excerpts)

"We welcome the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which President Chirac had made one of our priorities in September 2002.

This is a diplomatic success for France whose diplomats have been working for three years to get the text adopted. It is also a success for UNESCO and the European Union as the result would not have been possible without the sustained unity shown by the 25 and by the Commission in the negotiations.

The convention now takes its place among the founding instruments of international law and culture. It reaffirms the sovereign right of states to conserve, adopt and implement policies and measures they deem appropriate for the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions on their territory. It also enshrines in law the equal dignity of all cultures and recognizes that cultural assets convey values and meaning, hence the very identity of peoples.

We call on UNESCO member states to accede to this convention and ratify it so that it enters into force as soon as possible."