Jordan parliament welcomes Palestinian UNESCO membership

The lower house of Jordan's parliament on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to grant the Palestinians a full membership in the organization. Labeling the decision as a step in the right direction, the lower house reiterated support for the Palestinians and their efforts to realize their legitimate rights. In a statement issued Tuesday, the lower house commended the countries that voted for the Palestinian membership in the organization. It also condemned a decision by the United States to halt funding for UNESCO as a punishment for its decision. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) won a full UNESCO membership in a vote Monday at the organization's general conference in Paris. A total of 107 member countries voted for the PNA's membership bid, while 14 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it.