The foreign ministers of the European Union have requested that the United States reconsider its decision to deny Palestinian officials the opportunity to participate in the UN General Assembly this September.
This request was conveyed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, following the ministerial meeting in Copenhagen.
Kallas emphasized: “We call for this decision to be immediately reviewed, taking into account international law.”
Washington had previously announced that it would refuse entry and revoke existing visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting.
The US decision has been criticized by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who described the UN headquarters as a “neutral venue… a shelter serving peace.” He added: “The UN General Assembly cannot tolerate any restriction on access.”
Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, called the decision an obstacle and proposed holding a special session of the UN General Assembly in Geneva to ensure the presence of Palestinian representatives.
This action by the United States could further strengthen ties between the Biden administration and the Israeli government, which firmly rejects the idea of a Palestinian state.
