"On October 12, 2017, the Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of the US decision to withdraw from the organization … This decision was 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," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement on Thursday, adding that the decision would take effect on December 31, 2018.
UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) head Irina Bokova has said the organization had received an official notification from Washington that the United States will withdraw from the organization. She called Washington's step a "loss to multilateralism."
"I wish to express profound regret at the decision of the United States of America to withdraw from UNESCO," Bokova said in a statement, adding that the organization's relations with the United States were based on shared values.In her statement, Bokova said the US' cooperation with UNESCO is highly important as the world is facing rising terrorism, antisemitism, and violations of freedom.
The US has a long history of contradictions with UNESCO, an international body that is aimed at promoting a respect for the rule of law and human rights through cultural and scientific collaboration.
The United States pulled out of UNESCO in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan but rejoined the body in 2003 when President George W. Bush was in power.
Washington has also protested against UNESCO's decision to grant full membership to Palestine, deciding to suspend regular payments to the organization in 2011.
SPUTNIK/MNA