UNESCO tightens the belt

 Director general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova ordered the suspension of the implementation of commitments and programs of  the organization until the end of the year in order to eliminate a deficit of $ 65 million in the budget for 2011, RIA Novosti reported.

On October 31 UNESCO officially accepted Palestine in the organization. The U.S., whose internal laws rules forbid to support the UN agencies that recognize Palestine, announced the withdrawal of funding. Washington was to provide $ 60 million to UNESCO by the end of November.

Washington's refusal to make payment in November created a deficit in the budget of UNESCO - until January the organization must find an additional $ 65 million.

The general director said that "the Directorate has initiated a review of all activities planned for November and December."

Revision covers the costs of contractual obligations, staff travel, publications, communication costs, the organization of meetings. These measures should allow to save $ 35 million.