US, Israel to end Unesco membership

PARIS: The United States and Israel have announced they are quitting the UN’s cultural agency Unesco, after Washington accused it of antiIsraeli bias.

The withdrawal of the United States, which is meant to provide a fifth of Unesco’s funding, is a major blow for the Parisbased organisation, founded after World War 2 to help protect cultural and natural heritage around the world.

Unesco is best known for designating World Heritage Sites such as the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and the Grand Canyon National Park.

‘‘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 antiIsrael bias,’’ State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Hours later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would quit too, calling the US decision ‘‘brave and moral’’.

Unesco directorgeneral Irina Bokova expressed her disappointment: ‘‘At the time when conflicts continue to tear apart societies across the world, it is deeply regrettable for the United States to withdraw from the United Nations agency promoting education for peace and protecting culture under attack,’’ she said.

‘‘This is a loss to the United Nations family. This is a loss for multilateralism.’’

Washington has already withheld its funding for Unesco since 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a full member. The United States and Israel were among just 14 of 194 members who voted against admitting the Palestinians. Washington’s arrears on its $80 million annual dues since then are now over $500 million.

In recent years, Israel has repeatedly complained about what it says is the body taking sides in disputes over cultural heritage sites in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

Netanyahu told world leaders at the UN General Assembly last month that Unesco was promoting ‘‘fake history’’ after it designated Hebron and the two adjoined shrines at its heart — the Jewish Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Muslim Ibrahimi Mosque — as a ‘‘Palestinian World Heritage Site in Danger.’’

An Arabbacked Unesco resolution last year condemned Israeli’s policies at religious sites in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Under Unesco rules, the US withdrawal will become effective as of the end of December 2018.

The organisation, which employs around 2000 people worldwide, most of them based in Paris, has struggled for relevance as it becomes increasingly hobbled by regional rivalries and a lack of money.

Unesco, whose full name is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, is in the process of selecting a new chief, whose priority will be to revive its fortunes.

The US move underscores the scepticism expressed by President Donald Trump about the need for the US to remain engaged in multilateral bodies. The president has touted an ‘‘America First’’ policy, which puts US economic and national interests ahead of international commitments.

‘‘The absence of the United States or any large country with a lot of power is a loss. It’s not just about money, it’s promoting ideals that are vital to countries like the United States, such as education and culture,’’ a Unescobased diplomat said, warning that others could follow.

For differing reasons, Britain, Japan and Brazil are among states that have yet to pay their dues for 2017.

❛ This is a loss to the United Nations family. This is a loss for multilateralism Unesco directorgeneral Irina Bokova