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Front pages of all Greek newspaper got filled with the news about Irina Bokova and her new position as General Director of UNESCO. Center of interest are two very important facts. First, for the first time in the 64 year history of the organization a position high as this one is taken by a woman and second, Irina Bokova managed to win against her opponent, Egyptian Farouk Hosny, who had the support of the whole Arab world.

“A woman on a leadership position” says Kathimerini newspaper, which also quotes Irina Bokova’s statement that “the organization needs to start producing more results and to become more democratic. I come from Eastern Europe and can understand how hard it is to start up reform programs but I know there is a benefit”. In order to be chosen for Director-General Irina Bokova had to pass through five stages – something, which also happens for the first time in the organization’s history. Angry from the fact that he lost, Farouk Hosny – Bokova’s main opponent, who used to be minister of culture in Egypt for 22 years, blamed the US and French lobbies that they have sabotaged his nomination, reports Kathemerini.

Vima newspaper printed a headline, which reads “Woman “driving” UNESCO for the first time”. The article quotes Bokova: “The fact that I was chosen sends a very strong message about equality of genders”. Vima stresses that choosing the 57 year old former ambassador of Bulgaria in France, caused enthusiasm, because this dashed the Egyptians ambitions, who was numerously blamed for his anti-Semitic statements and for censorship.

When Hosny was Egypt’s minister of culture he banned some books and the screening of certain movies, among which is also “Zorba the Greek”. In a speech in front of the Egyptian parliament he said that he himself would burn all Jewish books found in the Alexandrian library. “UNESCO avoided a, what could have been a true catastrophe, by choosing Irina Bokova for Director-General and not Hosny. It was saved from a scandal and from moral destruction. He is unworthy of this position. According to me, he shouldn’t even have been a candidate,” said literature Nobel prize winner Ellie Vizel, who was quoted by Vima newspaper.

“A message for peace sent by new UNESCO director,” says Ta Nea’s headline referring to countries from the Arab world, which were supporting the Egyptian. “Bulgarian diplomat Irina Bokova – leader of the international organization” announces Eleftherotipia newspaper, which also provides additional information about Bokova – that she is a mother of two and she had studied international relations in Moscow and Harvard.