(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (KUNA) -- The US on Thursday notified UNESCO of its decision to withdraw from the organization and to seek to establish a permanent observer mission instead.
State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement that the Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of its decision, saying it was a one "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." She added that the US indicated to the Director General "its desire to remain engaged with UNESCO as a non-member observer state in order to contribute US views, perspectives and expertise on some of the important issues undertaken by the organization, including the protection of world heritage, advocating for press freedoms, and promoting scientific collaboration and education." "Pursuant to Article II (6) of the UNESCO Constitution, US withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2018," she indicated and that the US "will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time." (end) si.gta
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