European Union Urges US Reconsideration of Visa Denial for Palestinian Delegation

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the European Union on Saturday urged the United States to reverse its decision not to issue visas to members of the Palestinian delegation prior to the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The European Union stated its regret that entry restrictions for Palestinian delegation members have been extended for the second consecutive year, referencing the United States’ commitments as the host country of the UN under existing agreements with the organization.

Anwar Al-Alouni, spokesperson for the EU’s diplomatic service, said, “Given the existing agreements between the United States and the United Nations regarding the UN headquarters and the United States’ obligations as the host country, we call on the United States to reconsider this decision.” The United States announced on Wednesday that it would extend visa restrictions for Palestinian officials. This action includes Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, and for the second consecutive year, it will prevent his attendance at the UN General Assembly session. The UN General Assembly, on September 17, voted 152 to three in favor of Mahmoud Abbas delivering a speech via video conference. The Palestinian delegation based at the UN will still be able to attend the session.