Brussels, Belgium, 19 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union has urged the United States to reconsider its refusal to issue Palestinian UN visas to President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The EU said Washington should consider its responsibilities as host country to UN headquarters.
The intervention came on Saturday, 19 September, after the US extended restrictions affecting members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority officials for a second consecutive year. Abbas is among those unable to travel to New York under the measures.
EU Urges US to Reconsider Palestinian Visa Decision
Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed Brussels’ opposition to the renewed restrictions.
“We regret the decision to extend the denial of entry visas for members of the Palestinian delegation for a second year in a row,” El Anouni said.
He also directly raised Washington’s responsibilities arising from the UN headquarters arrangements.
“In light of its existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its obligations as host state, we urge the United States to reconsider this decision,” the EU spokesperson said.
US Maintains Restrictions on Palestinian Officials
The US State Department said it was extending visa sanctions because it believes the Palestinian leadership has failed to meet commitments under US law and continues activities Washington considers damaging to prospects for peace.
US officials have specifically criticised Palestinian efforts to pursue matters involving Israel through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice and attempts to secure wider international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Accredited members of the Palestinian mission to the UN can still participate in the meeting.
UN Approves Abbas Video Address
The UN General Assembly voted on 17 September to allow Abbas to participate remotely. The resolution passed by 152 votes to three, with four abstentions, enabling the Palestinian president and other affected senior officials to take part virtually if US travel restrictions prevent their attendance.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed concern over Washington’s decision and its consequences for Palestinian participation.
Guterres said he was concerned about its impact “on the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations”.
Visa Dispute Raises UN Host-State Questions
The disagreement over Palestinian UN visas has renewed scrutiny of the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, under which the United States generally facilitates access for representatives travelling to UN business in New York.
The issue has gained further attention because Washington has granted visas to senior Iranian officials for this year’s General Assembly while imposing additional travel and purchasing restrictions on that delegation.
Abbas Expected to Address UN Remotely
The General Debate of the 81st General Assembly is scheduled to begin on 22 September. Unless Washington changes its decision, Abbas will address the gathering remotely rather than appearing in New York.
The EU’s intervention adds diplomatic pressure on Washington but does not itself require the US administration to reverse the restrictions. For now, accredited Palestinian diplomats can attend in person while senior officials affected by the Palestinian UN visas decision participate remotely.
