The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas an entry visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, extending visa sanctions against Palestinian officials.
Washington accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) of “glorifying terrorism” and attempting to “internationalize” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the decision as unjustified, saying it undermined efforts to rebuild trust, improve Palestinian-US relations and advance the two-state solution.
Under the UN Headquarters Agreement, the US is required to allow foreign diplomats access to the UN in New York. However, Washington says it can deny visas on security, extremism and foreign policy grounds.
Abbas addressed last year’s General Assembly via video after Palestinian officials were denied visas. UN members are expected to vote on Thursday on whether he can deliver a virtual address again this year.
