USA-UNESCO/KERRY Kerry lobbies for U.S. to remain on UNESCO board despite arrears

Record ID: 135725

  • Title: USA-UNESCO/KERRY Kerry lobbies for U.S. to remain on UNESCO board despite arrears
  • Date: 18th October 2015
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (OCTOBER 18, 2015) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** EXTERIOR OF UNESCO HEAD-QUARTERS UNITED NATIONS FLAG FLAGS U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SITTING DOWN AT TABLE HEAD OF UNESCO IRINA BOKOVA MAKING SPEECH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY AND U.S. AMBASSADOR TO UNESCO CRYSTAL NIX-HINES TALKING TOGETHER LUNCH MENU KERRY WALKING TO PODIU
  • Embargoed: 2nd November 2015 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: France
  • Country: France
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVADL1WBHGCC9L440SN351B4SY7C
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday (October 18) lobbied for the United States to be reelected to UNESCO's board, promising to work with Congress to restore funding after Washington cut off its contributions in 2011 in protest over the Palestinians being admitted as full members.
    In a speech at UNESCO's Paris headquarters, Kerry said it would be easier to make a case for funding to Congress if the United States was on UNESCO's board.
    "This is a critical time for UNESCO's mission, a time to build peace in the minds of men and women and that's why the United States, a founding member of this organisation, remains committed to strengthening its role in promoting peace and security," Kerry told UNESCO member countries and officials.
    "I would like to insist on the fact that the United States has a lot to contribute to UNESCO's work and ensure you that our commitment towards this organisation has never been stronger. I know some of you have concerns - particularly related to our funding limitations - but it's important to note that - even with these restrictions in place - the U.S. plays a critical role in advancing UNESCO's objectives," Kerry said.
    The United States lost its voting rights to UNESCO general assembly in November 2013 under the agency's rules after Washington failed to pay its dues, although it has remained on the executive board. It is currently $300 million in arrears to UNESCO.
    "We are seeking reelection to the executive board because we believe that both the United States and UNESCO are better off the deeper our ties extend. And in standing for reelection, both President Obama and I are also pledging to work with our former colleagues and the U.S. Congress, and do all we can to restore U.S. funding to UNESCO in full," Kerry said.
    Before pulling financial support for UNESCO, the United States provided about 22 percent of its annual budget. Israel also lost its voting rights at the same time.
    Kerry said the United States would help launch an education initiative on tolerance and dealing with violent extremism.
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