UN Chief Laments US Visa Denial for Palestinian President Abbas

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "deeply regrets" the United States' decision to deny a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the second consecutive year, preventing his attendance at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Guterres is concerned about the implications of Washington's decision for the State of Palestine's participation in the UN's work, according to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. The absence of Abbas from the General Assembly sessions limits the Palestinian side's ability to fully engage in the organization's activities. The US visa denial, announced shortly before the start of the General Assembly session, means Abbas will be unable to address the UN from its podium. This is not the first time Washington has denied the Palestinian leader a visa, and the UN has previously expressed concern about how such decisions might affect the participation of Palestinian representatives in the organization.