By
The United States stopped funding UNESCO after Monday's vote, which it said made the Middle East peace process more complicated. Washington, like Canada, is a staunch ally of Israel and provides 22 percent of UNESCO's funding. "Under no circumstances will Canada cover the budgeting shortfall as a result of this decision and Canada has decided to freeze all further contributions to UNESCO," Baird told reporters, adding Ottawa was deeply disappointed by the vote. The UNESCO decision will boost the Palestinians' bid at the United Nations for recognition as a state. Canada and the United States both voted against such a move.