Luanda — Minister of Culture, Boaventura Cardoso, on Sunday left for France, where he will represent the Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, at the handing over ceremony of the 2003 edition of the international prize "Felix Houphouet Boigny".

The prize was awarded this year to Cardinal Tchingray and Mr. Mustaph, the latter a Bosnian personality.

The prize which is attributed annualy by UNESCO, has already been awarded to personalities such as Nelson Mandela and Frederick De Klerk (South Africa), in 1991, Itzhak Rabin (Israel Premier), in 1992, Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat (President of Palestine Council), in 1993.

In 1994 were distinguished Juan Carlos I (King of Spain), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the US), whereas in 2002 Xanana Gusmao (President of East Timor) received the award.

The jury is chaired by the former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Meanwhile, Boaventura Cardoso, who was already Angolan ambassador to that European country, will also meet with UNESCO General Director, with whom he will analyse issues of bilateral interest.