Loading ...The US State Department confirmed the country is officially withdrawing from UNESCO, the UN’s cultural body it helped found in 1945, citing “anti-Israeli bias” and the need for reform. The move will take effect on December 31, the US announced.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects US concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO,” the State Department said in a Thursday statement cited by Reuters.
Washington will remain in the organization “as a non-member observer state in order to contribute US views, perspectives and expertise,” the statement said. There has been no immediate comment from the US government.
Earlier, Washington officials told AP that the United States is withdrawing from UNESCO after repeated criticism of resolutions that the Trump administration perceived as anti-Israeli.
more https://www.rt.com/news/406475-us-withdraws-unesco-december/