The European External Action Service expressed regret that the United States had denied entry visas to members of the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year. The EU called on the Washington administration to reconsider its decision.

The EU’s written statement said the visa decision had been made ahead of the Palestinian delegation’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly, which will be held in New York. The statement also reminded the United States of its existing headquarters agreements with the United Nations and its obligations as the host country.
In light of the existing headquarters agreements with the United Nations and the obligations it has undertaken as the host state, we call on the United States to reconsider this decision.
The US administration had decided to maintain visa restrictions for senior Palestinian officials, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for a second consecutive year.
On September 17, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a decision allowing Abbas, whom the United States had denied a visa, to address next week’s General Assembly debates by video. The decision passed by 152 votes to 3.