UNESCO Halts New Spending

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova

The United Nations' cultural agency says it has suspended new spending programs until the end of the year.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said the agency faces a $65 million funding shortfall after the United States withdrew its contribution.

UNESCO officials said the cuts would principally hit new undertakings and ongoing running costs such as staff travel, publications, and communications.

Last month, the United States and Israel pulled the plug on their UNESCO funding after members voted to admit Palestine as a full member.

compiled from agency reports