The European Union has called on the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and members of his delegation ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York. The decision means Abbas is expected to address the gathering virtually rather than attend in person.
Anouar El Anouni, a spokesman for the EU’s diplomatic service, said the bloc regretted Washington’s decision and referred to US obligations as host of the United Nations. “In light of its existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its obligations as host state, we urge the United States for this decision to be reconsidered,” he said.
The US State Department said it was refusing visas for Abbas and other Palestinian officials. It also cited opposition to Palestinian efforts to internationalise the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including cases brought before the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, and attempts to seek recognition outside negotiations.
The administration also denied visas to the Palestinian delegation last year, forcing Abbas to address the General Assembly by video. The assembly voted 152-3 to allow him to appear virtually again this year. Only members of the Palestinian mission to the UN will be able to attend the meeting, which begins on Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over the decision and said he was concerned about its effect on the State of Palestine’s ability to participate fully in the organisation’s work. The dispute comes as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has escalated in recent months in the West Bank, according to the supplied report.
The US and Israel have also objected to historical payments by the Palestinian Authority to families of imprisoned or slain Palestinians, including people who carried out attacks against Israelis. The source said the authority recently reformed the system so welfare payments would be allocated according to need rather than political affiliation or prisoner status.