Palestine wins vote for UNESCO membership

[xav]

just in:
http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/20...e-l-unesco.php

Palestine becomes Unesco member following vote.
107 countries voted for
52 abstentions
14 voted against

USA warned they would stop any funding to UNESCO if vote passes...

[xav]

U.N. agency approves full Palestinian membership
# NEW: UNESCO approves the Palestinian bid for full membership
# U.S. funding stands at about $80 million annually, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Mission to UNESCO says
# A two-thirds majority was required for the Palestinians to be considered a full member
# UNESCO could lose its U.S. funding
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/31/wo...hip/?hpt=wo_c2

[Plebeian]

Congratulations to Palestine. Not surprised at the US threats, the US has been withholding funds and refusing to pay its arrears to the UN as a bullying tool since the Reagan administration.

[spawn_lee]

The decision followed the rules.

we wouldnt want whoever who gives money to international bodies have all the power to decide whats right or whats wrong.

[LineDoggie]

Congratulations to Palestine. Not surprised at the US threats, the US has been withholding funds and refusing to pay its arrears to the UN as a bullying tool since the Reagan administration.

And thank god for that. Otherwise Idiots would have allowed all manner of stupidity to run rampant at the UN. Why should the US Taxpayer fund UN at 22% while Spain pays 2.52%. Hell China Pays less than Spain with a 2.0% dues

[Atlantic Friend]

Why should the US Taxpayer fund UN at 22% while Spain pays 2.52%. Hell China Pays less than Spain with a 2.0% dues

Mostly because UN funding is based on percentile of world GNP and the US GNP happens to be about 9-10 times Spain's. But I agree with you that China should definitely shoulder on a bigger part of the budget now.

[Plebeian]

And thank god for that. Otherwise Idiots would have allowed all manner of stupidity to run rampant at the UN. Why should the US Taxpayer fund UN at 22% while Spain pays 2.52%. Hell China Pays less than Spain with a 2.0% dues

You talk about the UN like it's an alien entity. It's not, the US is the UN more than any other country, same for NATO. As for your question about funding, because it's proportional and because the US wants to have the most bargaining power in it.

[khaz]

If the U.S. pays 22% of the un funding then the U.S. should get 22% of the votes.

But then of course I see the un as a complete waste of time and money.

[LineDoggie]

You talk about the UN like it's an alien entity. It's not, the US is the UN more than any other country, same for NATO. As for your question about funding, because it's proportional and because the US wants to have the most bargaining power in it.

And then you whine when it uses its Bargining power.

[Atlantic Friend]

If the U.S. pays 22% of the un funding then the U.S. should get 22% of the votes.

It has something better: permanent veto power, which means that even if 194 nations vote yes, the US can block a decision. Beats the Hell out of having 22% of the votes IMHO (which would still leave a 78% majority).

[HollywoodMarine]

Not surprised at the US threats, the US has been withholding funds and refusing to pay its arrears to the UN as a bullying tool since the Reagan administration.

I don't see a problem, plus I'm also not surprised by your comment.

[cadalso]

Is Spain a Earth's 2,5%?



Poor Earth...

[Leaper]

I don't see a problem, plus I'm also not surprised by your comment.

+1

Dont smoke weed kids

[Plebeian]

And then you whine when it uses its Bargining power.

No, I'm whinging at the bullying and how the UN is rendered useless by the US.

[Atlantic Friend]

Is Spain a Earth's 2,5%?



Poor Earth...

In terms of GDP/GNP, I think that's about it: 2.24% of the world's GDP is generated by Spain.