Norway voted for Palestinian membership of UNESCO

Monday, the UNESCO General Conferance admitted Palestine as a Member of the Organisation. Norway voted for Palestinian membership.

A total of 107 countries voted for, 14 voted against, and 52 abstained.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Our vote reflects our view that the Palestinian expectations and needs regarding protection of their national cultural heritage are legitimate. It is important that the international community and the Palestinian authorities work together to strengthen control over the cultural heritage in the Palestinian Territory that is at risk due to unclear borders. Membership of UNESCO is an important step forward in this regard.”

Norway’s vote does not imply a formal recognition of the state of Palestine. This question is currently being deliberated in the UN in New York, and Norway will await the outcome of these deliberations.