US Denies Visas to Palestinians Ahead of UN General Assembly
The European Union (EU) has expressed regret over the United States' decision to deny visas to Palestinian delegates ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York. This marks the second consecutive year that US authorities have refused entry to members of the Palestinian delegation.
The EU's External Action Service released a statement urging the US to reconsider its stance, citing existing agreements between the UN and the host country regarding access to headquarters. The State Department had announced earlier this week that measures denying visas would be extended to officials from the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Last year, 80 Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, were refused entry by the US ahead of the UN General Assembly. This year, Abbas will address the assembly via video link due to these restrictions.