PARIS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Audrey Azoulay, director general of Paris-based UNESCO on Friday regretted
Israel has been a member of UNESCO since 1949, "I regret this deeply, as it is my conviction that it is inside UNESCO and not outside it that States can best seek to overcome differences in the Organization's fields of competence," Azoulay stressed.
In the face of disagreements among member states, engaging fully in the work of UNESCO makes possible sustained dialogue, cooperation and partnerships that are more necessary than ever, she added.
On Oct. 12, the United States formally notified the UNESCO that it would withdraw from the organization on Dec. 31, 2018. On the same day, Israel welcomed this decision and announced it was considering a similar move due to the body's "anti-Israel" bias.