And this is how BS works ...
U.S. cuts UNESCO funding after Palestinian membership voteBy Josh Levs, CNN
NEW: Report: Palestine will seek full membership in the World Health Organization
The vote "further removes the possibility" for a peace deal, Israel says
(CNN) -- The United States is cutting funding to the U.N. education and science agency UNESCO after the agency voted to accept a Palestinian bid for full membership, the U.S. State Department said Monday.
"Today's vote by the member states of UNESCO to admit Palestine as member is regrettable, premature and undermines our shared goal of a comprehensive just and lasing peace in the Middle East," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
The United States was going to make
a $60 million payment in November, and will now not do so, she said.
Some U.S. lawmakers had called on the Obama administration to withhold funding to UNESCO if the measure was approved.
The lawmakers cited U.S. law, which states that funds must be denied to any organization granting the Palestine Liberation Organization "the same standing as member states."
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Mission to UNESCO -- the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -- said the
United States contributes $80 million a year.
The U.S. contribution
comprises 22% of the agency's funding in its regular budget, a spokeswoman for UNESCO said.
The vote, which required two-thirds approval by UNESCO members, passed with 107 in favor,
14 against, and 52 abstentions.
It was the first such vote by a part of the world body.
Huge applause broke out at the meeting in Paris when the results of the vote were announced.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, speaking after the vote, said she is concerned for the financial stability of the organization.
"I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that UNESCO does not suffer unduly," she said, specifically citing concerns about losing funding from "our largest contributor, the United States."
Bokova said the "admission of a new member state is a
mark of respect and confidence."UNESCO, which is headquartered in Paris, works to promote
peace and sustainable development through education, the sciences and culture.
"The ones who voted negatively are
isolating themselves along with Israel on the wrong side of justice and the law. And if the U.S. continues to threaten to boycott or withdrawal from organizations that recognizes Palestine it might find itself outside most global institutions with diminishing influence and standing," she said.
There was laughter in the room after Israel voted no.
The Palestinian Authority-run Wafa news agency reported late on Monday that Palestine is preparing to apply for full membership in the World Health Organization.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/31/world ... index.html
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"