A statement from Magda Haroun says that Moushira Khattab has shown an impressive and "genuine commitment to our cause to protect Egypt's Jewish heritage."
But Khattab has been also criticised for not speaking up against some of the government's repressive policies, such as shutting down public libraries founded by a top rights lawyer.
A US educated longtime diplomat, Khattab is believed to be among the front-runners for the UNESCO top post. Voting is due today in Paris.
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