US cuts Unesco funding over Palestinian seat

The US has announced it is cutting funding to the UN cultural organisation Unesco, following the agency's decision to grant membership to the Palestinians.

Speaking for the US State department, Victoria Nuland said the result of a vote in favour of the Palestinians was "regrettable, premature, and undermines our shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East".

She added that the decision was based on "long-standing legislative restrictions which will compel the United States to refrain from making contributions to Unesco".