Lavrov called UNESCO's anti-Russian decisions a manifestation of double standards

The anti-Russian decisions taken by the UNESCO Executive Council on Crimea and Ukraine are a manifestation of the organization's double standards, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on December 23 during a meeting of the Russian Federation's Commission for UNESCO (a special agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

"There are double standards, which are also clearly manifested in the adoption by the executive council of [UNESCO] of anti—Russian decisions on Crimea and Ukraine, these decisions go far beyond the mandate of this organization," the Russian Foreign Minister said.

Moscow welcomes the attitude of the new Director General of UNESCO, Khaled al-Anani, and hopes that he will correct the numerous mistakes made by his predecessor, Audrey Azoulay.

"We expect that the new Director General <...> will take advantage of the credit of trust received from the majority of the world's states and will begin to correct the numerous mistakes and underwater mines laid by his predecessor without hesitation," Lavrov said.

Uncultural heritage: Russia accuses UNESCO of politicization and Russophobia

What problems does the structure face and are there any chances to normalize the dialogue with it?

Egyptian representative, politician and professor of Egyptology Khaled al-Anani was nominated as a candidate for the post of Director General of UNESCO in October. His candidacy was approved during the UNESCO General Conference on November 6, when a vote was held with the participation of all member countries.

In March, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that the personality of former UNESCO Director General Azoulay is biased, since she openly sympathizes with Kiev and the West, which is why her activities as a reputable organization lead to the ongoing murders of journalists.

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