US cuts UNESCO dues

Tuesday, 01 November 2011 03:11

Written by Navid Iqbal

UN cultural organization has made a move opposite to Israel and the United States by giving vote in favor of Palestine for the membership in UN as an Independent country.

Palestine got 107 country’s votes in favor and 14 votes are in opposite and there are 52 countries are abstained.

In response of that Washington stated that it is cutting financial support to UNESCO. Its membership dues give approximately a fifth of the organization’s total budget.

Next month the UN secretary general will vote to decide whether to grant Palestine a full UN membership or not.

Membership of UNESCO- best known for its World heritage sites- it may seem a strange move towards statehood, said BBC’s Jon Donnison, but Palestine leaders see this as a part of push to have international recognition.

UNESCO is the first UN agency Palestinians have required to join since they submit their bid for the international recognition to the Security Council.

"This vote will erase a tiny part of the injustice done to the Palestinian people," Palestinian Foreign Minister said to meeting of UN educational, scientific and cultural organization, after publishing result.

Common applause greeted the result of Monday’s vote where two third majorities is enough to pass the final decision.

BBC’s David Chazan said that Arab countries were active in getting the vote passed despite the opposition from the United States.

He also said, China, India, South Africa, Brazil and Russia voted in favor of Palestine in an emotional session, and the United States, Germany and Canada vote against Palestine membership and the UK abstained.

'No shortcuts'

As a Law is passed in 1990s that allows Washington to cut fund to any UN body that favor Palestine as a full member.

In Washington, State department spokespersons Victoria Nuland to the journalists that they were have to made $60 million payment to UNESCO but they will not make that payment.

And earlier, Jay Carney white house spokesperson said that the vote of UNESCO was premature and it weakens the international community’s goal of a comprehensive.

Where Israel called the vote as the unilateral Palestinian maneuver that will not bring any change on the ground but it may removes the possibility of peace agreement.

Peace talk between Israel and Palestine has been stopped since last year over the Israeli settlement building issue.

Israel said that the country will consider the further steps regarding its collaboration with UNESCO.