USA Withdraws from UNESCO—The Organization Regrets

Washington justified the withdrawal from UNESCO what it considered the continuation of the bias of the organization against Israel.

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The United States said on Thursday it had withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing it of being “anti-Israel,” while the organization regretted the US decision.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the United States would be an observer mission to replace its mission at the Paris-based agency.

“The resolution was not taken lightly, and it highlights US concerns about UNESCO’s growing debt, the need for radical reforms in the organization, and the continued bias against Israel,” the spokeswoman said.

The US State Department said the decision to withdraw would be effective from December 31.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova expressed “deep regret” at the US decision to withdraw from the IAEA, saying it was “a loss of pluralism.”

“After receiving a formal notification from US Secretary of State Mr. Rex Tilerson, I would like as Director of UNESCO to express deep regret at the decision of the United States to withdraw from UNESCO,” Bokova said in a statement.

In 2011, the United States canceled its substantial financial contribution to UNESCO in protest against the decision to grant Palestine full membership in the organization.

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