Baker Rules Out Return to Politicized UNESCO

Secretary of State James A. Baker III today ruled out the possibility of an early U.S. return to UNESCO membership, saying the U.N. body is still mismanaged and excessively politicized.

Baker said in a report to Congress that UNESCO Director General Federico Mayor continues to be haunted by his reputation as a “well-intentioned but poor administrator.”

Six years ago the Reagan Administration withdrew from UNESCO, known formally as the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Britain and Singapore quickly followed suit.

Renewed membership would cost the United States about $50 million annually.

Baker said UNESCO at this stage “does not possess the characteristics of a well-managed and focused organization.”

A principal U.S. complaint over the years has been that UNESCO tries to limit press freedom.

Baker said in his report that Mayor, after some highly encouraging comments on that subject, has since equivocated by stating that press freedoms must be “balanced” against the desires of governments to control the flow of information.

Baker also said UNESCO resolutions heavily biased against Israel and often based on false information continue to be adopted.

Baker said that instead of imposing personnel cuts, as he had promised, Mayor has proposed a restructuring plan that would create 33 new posts at an estimated cost of $6 million. The plan has plunged UNESCO into its worst crisis in six years, Baker said.