The US is leaving UNESCO

Today, October 12, the US State Department notified UNESCO Secretary General Irina Bokov of the US decision to terminate UNESCO, retaining the status of a observer country.

“This is a difficult decision,” the statement published on the website of the State Department , “reflects the concern of the United States in connection with the growth of debts in UNESCO, the need for the fundamental reform of this organization and its continuing anti -Israeli policy.”

The decision comes into force on December 31. After that, the United States intends to maintain the status of the observer under UNESCO in order to continue joint work on a number of issues, among which the protection of the world heritage, defending freedom of the press and promoting cooperation in the field of science and education are named.

Irina Bokova expressed deep regret in connection with the decision of the United States.

In 1984, under President Ronald Reagan, the United States had already left UNESCO, explaining this decision to the poor financial department of the organization and its anti -American policy, recalls Interfax . In 2003, the United States restored membership in UNESCO.

UNESCO-the UN specialized institution on education, science and culture-has existed since 1945, the headquarters of the organization has been in Paris. UNESCO members are 195 states, 2 states have the status of observers. The organization also consists of 10 associated members - territories that are not responsible for foreign policy.