EU urges US to lift travel ban on Palestinian delegation for UNGA meeting
Summary
The European Union has asked the United States to allow Palestinian Authority officials to get visas so they can attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, after the US denied these visas for the second year in a row. The US said it is continuing visa restrictions because it accuses Palestinian leaders of actions that hurt peace efforts, while the UN and the Palestinians criticize this decision.Key Facts
- The US denied visas to Palestinian Authority officials for the second year to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
- The European Union called on the US to reconsider the visa ban, citing its responsibilities as the UN host country.
- The UN Secretary-General expressed regret over the US decision and its effect on Palestine’s participation in the UN.
- The US State Department said it extended sanctions because the Palestinians did not meet reform commitments and took actions that undermine peace, like seeking recognition of statehood outside direct talks with Israel.
- The US also cited Palestinian financial support for families of people involved in attacks as a reason for the visa ban.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the General Assembly via prerecorded video despite the visa restrictions.
- Abbas’s speech is expected to focus on gaining international recognition for Palestine and raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement growth in the West Bank.
- Palestine’s Ministry welcomed the UN vote allowing Abbas’s address, seeing it as a win against attempts to block Palestine’s participation.
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