While PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) continues lobbying efforts towards inclusion in UNESCO, it is becoming increasingly clear the PA lacks a majority in the Security Council. Hence, many view the pressure towards being accepted by UNESCO as a backdoor attempt to gain acceptance into the United Nations.

The US congress has signaled it stands behind the White House in its opposition to any PA unilateral measures towards achieving statehood, committed to the continued negotiating process with Israel and the so-called two-state solution.

As such, the Americans have signaled to UNESCO officials that acceptance of the PA would result in a cessation of US funding. America currently infuses $70 million annually into UNESCO, representing about 20% of the organization’s operating budget.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)