U.S. Will Withdraw From Unesco, Citing Its ‘Anti-Israel Bias’
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on Thursday
that it would withdraw from Unesco, the United Nations cultural organization, after years of the United States distancing itself because of what it called the group’s “anti-Israel bias.”
The administration also cited mounting arrears at the organization as a reason for the decision.
She added, “With this anti-Israel bias that’s long documented on the part of Unesco, that needs to come to an end.”
While the United States withdrew from the group, the Trump administration said it wanted to continue providing American perspective
and expertise to Unesco, but as a nonmember observer.
Ms. Bokova said she had repeatedly told members of Congress
that immediate payment of the arrears was not an issue, only American political re-engagement in the organization, which she said she believed served many American interests abroad.