France, July 22 -- The United States of America is preparing to withdraw from Unesco, the United Nations' cultural and educational agency. The decision is part of President Donald Trump's broader approach to reducing US involvement in international organisations he has previously criticised.

In the announcement, the US claimed that Unesco - the UN's cultural and education agency, best known for establishing world heritage sites - is biased against Israel and promotes "divisive" causes.

"Continued involvement in Unesco is not in the national interest of the United States," a State Department spokeswoman said.

The decision will take effect at the end of the year.

The United States initially joined Unesco - the United Nations Educational...