By Abdul Tukur

The United State has formally notified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that it would be pulling out of the organisation at the end of next year.

The  Donald Trump administration, who plans to “remain engaged,” with UNESCO cited “continuing anti-Israel bias,” as its reasons for withdrawing from the UN world heritage body that is based in France.

The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until 31 December 2018.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO,” according to a statement from the Department of State.

The Director-General Irina Bokova, acknowledged receiving the notification from the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.

In a statement posted on Twitter, @UNESCO Ms Bokova expressed profound regret over the US decision to withdraw.