Palestine Becomes UNESCO Member

Palestine has become a full member of UNESCO, the cultural and educational body within the United Nations. With a vote of 107-14 with 52 abstentions, UNESCO delegates approved the membership Monday. The divisive move angered the U.S. and Israel. Nimrod Barkan, Israel’s ambassador to UNESCO, called the vote a tragedy. The Obama administration announced that it is cutting off funding for the body, refraining from making a $60 million payment it planned for November. The U.S. provides 22 percent of its budget, or about $80 million a year. Palestinian officials' ultimate goal is full U.N. membership.