Macron: Denying Visa for Mahmoud Abbas’ Visit Is Unacceptable
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al Jazeera, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the US decision to refuse visas for Palestinian officials intending to attend the United Nations General Assembly is unacceptable.
he added, “I urge Washington to immediately reverse its decision preventing Palestinian officials from participating in the UN General Assembly.”
The US State Department announced a few days prior that it had decided to cancel visas for members of the Palestinian Authority ahead of the UN General Assembly session.
the statement from the US State Department read: “We have decided to revoke visas issued to members of the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) before the UN General Assembly.”
expressing surprise at this move, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Washington’s decision violates United Nations headquarters agreements. It called on Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council to fulfill thier responsibilities. The ministry also stressed that this action will not hinder international recognition of Palestine as a state.
In contrast, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked his American counterpart for holding the PLO and Palestinian Authority accountable for supporting terrorism. He praised President Biden and his administration for taking this bold step and standing with Israel.
Macron further revealed, “I spoke with saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, and on September 22 we will co-chair a conference in New York focused on establishing a two-state solution.”
He added, “our goal is to garner international support for a two-state resolution.”
The French president concluded by emphasizing: “A lasting ceasefire must be implemented; all hostages should be freed; aid must reach Gaza; and security forces deployed there.”
