Rokita Responds to UNESCO Decision to Recognize Palestinian Membership

Statement

Today Representative Todd Rokita responded to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) decision to recognize Palestine with full member status:

"UNESCO's decision, like the Palestinian Authority's attempt to bypass a negotiated settlement by seeking full member state status at the United Nations earlier this year, calls into serious question their commitment to just and lasting peace. The United States must continue to support a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Israel continues to take positive steps in its approach to the peace process. If the Palestinians are committed to peace, they must prove it to the world by doing the same," Rokita said.

UNESCO's stated mission is to "contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information." The United States contributes about $70 million per year, close to one-fourth of UNESCO's annual budget. As a result of UNESCO's decision, the United States has cut off funding to UN

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