Brussels, 22/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - Following Benita Ferrero-Waldner's withdrawal from the race to head UNESCO's directorate general (the European Commissioner is currently in charge of External Relations and threw in the towel on 19 September after being rejected during a preliminary vote), EU countries appear divided about which candidate they should support during the fifth and final round of voting (secret ballot) planned for Tuesday evening on 22 September at the Executive Council of the organisation in Paris. Although certain member states (France, Italy, Spain and Greece) appear to support the candidacy of Farouk Hosni from Egypt, who some countries have criticised for his anti-Israeli positions, other member states like Germany, Hungary, Portugal and Luxembourg would prefer Irina Gueorguieva Bokova from Bulgaria. Before the last round of voting, the final two candidates were on an even keel after obtaining 29 votes each out of 58 votes at the United Nations Executive Council for Education, Science and Culture. The organisation's rules stipulate that if the final vote does not change the balance of forces in favour of one of the candidates, they will draw lots and only the general assembly, which brings together the 193 member states of the organisation, would be able to challenge the result. (H.B./trans/rh)