The European Union urges Washington to reconsider the refusal of visas for the Palestinian delegation
Agencies2 min read
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The European Union expressed regret over the United States' decision to extend the refusal to grant entry visas to members of the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, ahead of their participation in the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The EU spokesperson, in a statement, said that the EU urges the United States, in light of the existing headquarters agreements between the United States and the United Nations and Washington's commitments as the host country, to reconsider the decision.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Friday, expressed regret over the United States' refusal to grant visas to Palestinian officials, most notably Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, to attend the UN General Assembly next week.
Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that "The Secretary-General deeply regrets the announcement by the United States of the extension of sanctions that deprive members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority officials of participating in UN meetings"
The United States announced on Thursday its refusal to grant Abbas and the Palestinian delegation visas, for the second consecutive year. Only members of the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations will be able to attend the annual meetings starting Tuesday.
In response to the US refusal, the UN General Assembly member states adopted a resolution on Thursday allowing the Palestinian Authority President to deliver a speech via a pre-recorded video clip.
According to the text, which was approved by a majority of 152 votes against three (the United States, Paraguay, and Israel) and four abstentions, Abbas will also be able to follow any related meeting held next week at the UN headquarters via video.
