Palestinians Recognised by UNESCO - US Threatens To Cut Funding

@Jennifer1984 Said

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15518173

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has voted by 117 to 14 (with 52 abstentions) to recognise the application for membership by Palestine. Amongst those voting against the proposal was Israel (quelle surpris..!!) and the USA.

The US representatives have said that admitting Palestine could cause America to withdraw its $70 million contribution to UNESCO, which represents around 20% of the total budget.

Palestine had previously applied to join the UN Security Council, but the US stated that it would use its veto to block such a move. However, the US has no power of veto over UNESCO and despite intense lobbying was unable to prevent the vote falling in Palestine's favour.

The American Ambassador to UNESCO, David T Killion said:

"The US has been clear for the need of a two-state resolution, but the only path is through direct negotiations and there are no shortcuts, and initiatives like today are counterproductive."

It is inconceivable to think that Israel would ever give Palestine any sort of international recognition, so Mr Killion's proclaimed "Two-state resolution" is either incredibly naive or is a deliberate excuse for holding back the cause of Palestinian nationhood.

A US law passed in the 1990s allows Washington to cut funding to any UN body that admits Palestine as a full member.

The question I ask is: How is the cause of Middle East peace and security furthered by the only global superpower doing everything it possibly can to frustrate the legitimate claims of Palestine, to nationhood..?


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