EU urges US to reconsider visa restrictions on Palestinian officials

The European Union has urged the United States to reconsider denying visas to Palestinian Authority officials and Palestine Liberation Organization members seeking to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Anouar El Anouni, a spokesman for the EU’s diplomatic service, cited US obligations as the host state and its existing agreements with the United Nations. The EU says the restrictions have been extended for a second consecutive year.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed regret, saying he was concerned about the effect of the decision on Palestine’s ability to participate fully in the organisation’s work.

The US Department of State says the restrictions reflect what it describes as failures by Palestinian officials to reform, activities that undermine prospects for peace and alleged violations of US law. It has also criticised Palestinian efforts to seek international recognition and pursue cases involving Israel in international courts.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the General Assembly’s 81st session by prerecorded video after the body approved the arrangement. His address is expected to advocate recognition of Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution, while addressing Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the decision, saying it preserved Palestine’s participation in the annual session.