PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Palestinian flag finally flies at UNESCO headquarters despite US objection
Paris, France (PANA) - The Palestinian flag was raised at UNESCO’s Headquarters Tuesday to mark the admission of Palestine to the Organization, the UN agency said in a press statement from its Paris, France, office.
The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova, the President of the General Conference Katalin Bogyay, the Chairperson of the Executive Board Alissandra Cummins and the Presidents of the regional groups, were present at the ceremony.
Addressing the assembly of delegations and guests, President Abbas said: “Our admission (to UNESCO) is a tremendous source of pride for us […] Palestinian writers, artists and researchers have played a vital role trying to preserve the culture and identity of our people. UNESCO has also played a fundamental role – and has been a loyal partner.”
Welcoming Palestine to UNESCO, Bokova said: “UNESCO is working on the frontlines today, to build a more peaceful, more democratic and more just world. Human dignity is our starting point and the measure of our success. Solidarity is our guide and our objective.
"Multilateralism has never been so important. This new membership must be a chance for all to join together around shared values and renewed ambitions for peace. It is in this spirit that I welcome Palestine to UNESCO.”
UNESCO became the first UN agency to admit Palestine as a full member after its member states voted to admit Palestine as the 195th Member of UNESCO on 31 October, during the 36th session of the Organization's General Conference. That incident prompted the US to cut off funds to the agency.
Two US laws required the halt in the flow of funds to the agency, forcing it to scale back literacy and development programmes in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the new nation of South Sudan.
The Palestinians are also seeking full-fledged UN membership, but Washington has threatened to veto that move, saying a negotiated settlement with Israel should come first.
US officials have said UNESCO’s decision risked undermining the international community’s work toward a comprehensive Middle East peace plan, and could be a distraction from the aim of restarting direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The United States contributes US$ 80 million annually in dues — 22 percent of UNESCO’s overall budget — and its 2011 contribution was not yet in when the laws took effect, immediately throwing UNESCO into some financial crisis.
Several countries are lobbying the US to renew its funding.
UNESCO is known for its programme to protect cultures via its World Heritage sites, but its core mission also includes activities such as helping eradicate poverty, ensuring clean water, teaching girls to read and promoting freedom of speech.
-0- PANA PR/VAO 13Dec2011
The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova, the President of the General Conference Katalin Bogyay, the Chairperson of the Executive Board Alissandra Cummins and the Presidents of the regional groups, were present at the ceremony.
Addressing the assembly of delegations and guests, President Abbas said: “Our admission (to UNESCO) is a tremendous source of pride for us […] Palestinian writers, artists and researchers have played a vital role trying to preserve the culture and identity of our people. UNESCO has also played a fundamental role – and has been a loyal partner.”
Welcoming Palestine to UNESCO, Bokova said: “UNESCO is working on the frontlines today, to build a more peaceful, more democratic and more just world. Human dignity is our starting point and the measure of our success. Solidarity is our guide and our objective.
"Multilateralism has never been so important. This new membership must be a chance for all to join together around shared values and renewed ambitions for peace. It is in this spirit that I welcome Palestine to UNESCO.”
UNESCO became the first UN agency to admit Palestine as a full member after its member states voted to admit Palestine as the 195th Member of UNESCO on 31 October, during the 36th session of the Organization's General Conference. That incident prompted the US to cut off funds to the agency.
Two US laws required the halt in the flow of funds to the agency, forcing it to scale back literacy and development programmes in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the new nation of South Sudan.
The Palestinians are also seeking full-fledged UN membership, but Washington has threatened to veto that move, saying a negotiated settlement with Israel should come first.
US officials have said UNESCO’s decision risked undermining the international community’s work toward a comprehensive Middle East peace plan, and could be a distraction from the aim of restarting direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The United States contributes US$ 80 million annually in dues — 22 percent of UNESCO’s overall budget — and its 2011 contribution was not yet in when the laws took effect, immediately throwing UNESCO into some financial crisis.
Several countries are lobbying the US to renew its funding.
UNESCO is known for its programme to protect cultures via its World Heritage sites, but its core mission also includes activities such as helping eradicate poverty, ensuring clean water, teaching girls to read and promoting freedom of speech.
-0- PANA PR/VAO 13Dec2011
