A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged ahead of the UN General Assembly, with the European Union calling on the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials.
Washington has refused entry to Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, and members of his delegation for the second consecutive year, preventing them from attending the UN meeting in New York in person.
The EU said the decision was regrettable, stressing that the United States has obligations as the host country of the United Nations.
The UN General Assembly has voted to allow Abbas to address the gathering virtually, as he did last year following a similar visa denial.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also expressed regret over the decision, warning that it could affect Palestine’s ability to participate fully in the work of the world body.
The U.S. says its position is linked to the Palestinian Authority’s past payment system for families of imprisoned or killed Palestinians, as well as Palestinian efforts to pursue cases involving Israel at international courts.
Washington has also opposed moves to secure international recognition of Palestinian statehood, while 142 UN member states recognised Palestine at the United Nations last year.
