The United States is
withdrawing from UNESCO, the United Nation's cultural and
educational agency, effective December 31, the US State Department
said in a statement on Thursday.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects US
concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for
fundamental reform in the organisation, and continuing
anti-Israel bias at UNESCO," the department said, adding that
the United States would seek to "remain engaged ...as a
non-member observer state in order to contribute US views,
perspectives and expertise."
