EU Urges US to Reconsider Visa Ban for Palestinian Leader Abbas

The European Union has called on the United States to reconsider its decision to deny entry visas to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and other members of the Palestinian delegation. The delegation was scheduled to participate in the UN General Assembly in New York. "We regret the decision to extend the visa ban for members of the Palestinian delegation for the second year in a row," stated a representative of the EU's diplomatic service, reminding Washington of its obligations as the host country for the UN headquarters.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed regret over Washington's decision, stating his concern about its impact "on the ability of the State of Palestine to fully participate in the work of the United Nations." This marks the second consecutive year the U.S. State Department has denied visas to Abbas and other PA representatives.

The U.S. justification for the visa denial centers on the Palestinian leadership's continued actions, which Washington deems detrimental to a peace settlement with Israel. These actions include attempts to achieve unilateral recognition of a "Palestinian state" through international bodies, pursuing legal action against Israel in international courts, and ongoing payments to the families of Palestinians who have carried out attacks against Israelis.

Due to the U.S. ban, Abbas will be unable to attend the General Assembly session in person. However, the UN found a workaround on September 17, allowing him to deliver his address remotely.