UNESCO vote on Palestine will have financial implications: Ban Ki-moon

United Nations, November 1, 2011 (Tehelkanews)

With the U.S. snapping finances to UNESCO following a vote on Palestinian membership, U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has said member states will have to look for "practical solutions" to preserve the Paris-based agency's financial resources as the vote could have implications.



"This step could have potential implications for funding provided by some Member States. This is a decision by the Member States," Mr. Ban said at a press conference here in response to a question on Palestine becoming UNESCO member and the U.S. cutting aid to the cultural agency.



He said while it is up to the U.N. member states to ensure that the "United Nations system as a whole (has) a consistent political and financial support, as such, we will need to work on practical solutions to preserve UNESCO's financial resources".



He emphasised the "urgency" of a negotiated solution to the Middle East peace process.



"The two-state solution is long overdue. We will all need to work harder for its realisation," he added.



The U.S. has announced it will stop financial contribution to UNESCO after the U.N. body voted to admit Palestine as its full member, which the Obama Administration termed as regrettable and premature.


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