Brussels, Sept. 19 (SANA) The European Union expressed regret on Saturday over the United States’ refusal to grant entry visas to Palestinian officials scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling on Washington to reconsider the decision.
According to Agency France-Presse, European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni said: “We regret the decision to deny entry visas to members of the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year.” He added: “In light of its agreements with the United Nations and obligations as host country, we urge the United States to review this decision.”
The US State Department had earlier announced its refusal to issue visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other members of his delegation ahead of next week’s General Assembly session.
On Thursday, UN member states adopted a resolution allowing President Abbas to deliver his address via a pre recorded video message. Attendance at the General Assembly, which opens Tuesday, will be limited to members of the Palestinian mission to the UN.
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