UN chief regrets US denial of visa to Palestinian President Abbas
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern after the United States denied Mahmoud Abbas a visa for a second consecutive year.
New York, United States. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “deepest regret” on Friday over the United States’ decision to deny Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa for a second consecutive year, preventing him from attending next week’s UN General Assembly.
Guterres said he was concerned about the implications for the State of Palestine’s full participation in the work of the United Nations.
US decision
The US State Department announced on Thursday that it had denied visas to the Palestinian delegation, including Abbas, citing a lack of reforms by the Palestinian Authority.
Only members of the Palestinian mission to the United Nations will be allowed to take part in this year’s annual session.
UN response
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, said Guterres regretted the decision and was concerned about its effect on the State of Palestine’s ability to participate fully in UN activities.
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