EU Calls on US to Reverse Visa Ban on Palestinian Delegation

The European Union has urged the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials who were due to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The US State Department reportedly refused visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and members of his delegation for the second consecutive year.

An EU diplomatic service spokesperson said the bloc regretted the decision and called on Washington to reconsider it, citing the United States’ responsibilities as the host country of the United Nations headquarters.

Last year, Abbas was forced to address the UN General Assembly by video after the US denied visas to the Palestinian delegation. On Thursday, the General Assembly voted 152-3 to allow him to participate virtually again this year.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed concern over the visa decision, saying it could affect Palestine’s ability to fully participate in the work of the United Nations.

The decision comes amid continued international debate over Palestinian statehood. The article notes that 142 UN member states recognised a Palestinian state at the United Nations last year.

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