As UNESCO’s General Conference was set to vote on Palestinian membership, UNESCO’s Head Irina Bokova warned of an apparent US threat to cut funding. That apparently did not deter an overwhelming vote in favor - 107 votes in favor of admission and 14 votes against, with 52 abstentions – following the recommendation made by UNESCO’s Board 4 weeks earlier: (See FILM REPORT – “Executive Board of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted today (October 5, 2011) on a recommendation to admit Palestine to the Organization.” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/palestine-admitted-unesco/28792). Washington to Withhold – Back to US Funding The US State Department apparently has now indicated that it will withhold a $60 million payment due to UNESCO for November. This may backfire for Washington and Israel. It may also signal a return to period when US, generally under Republican Administrations and/or cut-offs from Republican led Congresses held back funding due to broad philosophical loathing or in opposition to specific programs, as for example planned parenthood/birth control. It took some rime for the issue to be resolved. US back dues were estimated at around one billion dollars. Of course it produced a funding squeeze for the United Nations. However, it also undermined US influence and effectiveness in working within the UN system. Make no mistake about it: the US politically and economically benefits from the UN and its presence on US soil. While some segment of the US is feed with stories of the evils of the UN – and there are clearly issues on which US should be troubled – much of demonization of UN runs into fantasy (UN Secretary General has been projected by some Christian-Right groups as the coming Antichrist – ironically UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and wife are devout evangelical Christians). Benefiting US Political & Economic Interests – Reducing Demands Upon US Servicemen: When you are at the top of the sovereign food chain and enjoy veto power within the UN Security Council, your interests are well protected as in the case of the United States. The UN also aids US maintain its pre-eminent status among “equals.” The UN serves as an outlet for debate and discontent among the less privileged and helps provide some satisfaction in a manner that minimizes risk of conflict, chaos and the newest globe scourge, terrorism. US efforts in places like Afghanistan to Libya have been legitimized as well as substantively aided by mandates from the UN. UN mandates in places like Iraq and Afghanistan broadened coalitions. Peacekeeping is not always elegant, effective or even suitable alternative to “peacemaking”, but it can also effectively reduce numbers of US servicemen serving in forum and at risk. Many of the key and lower level jobs at UN are held by US citizens and residents. UN Headquarters in New York City has been at times noted for contributing to traffic jams (generally 2-3 week period of General Assembly); however its greatest addition is to the regional and US economy, many fold than most traditional businesses. UN and many related agencies, diplomatic outposts, media and NGO’s are most steady contributors. Diplomacy generally does not follow volatile business/financial cycles, and that has been critical to everything from real estate values to local retailers especially during recent cycles: (currently rents around UN have increased by 10% – while in US as whole home vales have dropped by 3.8% for year and 31% since 2006-2007 highs). Methodology of “Democratic “Vote – 2/3 Majority: Coming back to UNESCO and US withholding funding, Washington at times must be prepared to accept the consequences of club of nations acting democratically. In past, US has been effective in blocking some notorious regimes from assuming leadership roles at UN – for example effectively leading a vote against Gaddafi’s Libya for UN Security Council 2 year term election. Washington cannot say we will take our ball and go home everytime it does not like the result, especially if it seeks to be effectively referee and venue for so many UN related considerations. The vote for Palestine membership was overwhelming. Admission to UNESCO for states that are not members of the United Nations requires a recommendation by the Organization’s Executive Board (October 5, 2011) and a two thirds majority vote in favor by the General Conference of Member States present and voting (abstentions are not considered as votes). The General Conference consists of the representatives of the States Members of the Organization. It meets every two years, and is attended by Member States and Associate Members, together with observers for non-Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Each Member State has one vote, irrespective of its size or the extent of its contribution to the UNESCO budget. The General Conference determines the policies and the main lines of work of the Organization. Its duty is to set the programs and the budget of UNESCO. It also elects the Members of the Executive Board and appoints, every four years, the Director-General. READ –Israel/Palestinians Peace Proposals” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/israel-palestinians-peace-proposals-by-ambassador-mo/38362 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice