US says UNESCO decision on Palestinian membership is 'premature'

David Killion, the U.S. permanent representative to UNESCO, said the United States "cannot accept the premature Palestinian admission for membership in a United Nations specialized agency such as UNESCO," CNN reports.

Some U.S. lawmakers have threatened to cut off their funding, which a spokeswoman for the U.S. Mission to UNESCO said totals $80 million a year.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, speaking after the vote, said she is concerned for the financial stability of the organization.

On Monday Palestine was officially recognized as a UNESCO member state.