The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, “deeply regrets” the United States’ decision to refuse a visa for the second consecutive year to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in order to participate in next week’s United Nations General Assembly, his spokesman said on Friday.
“The Secretary-General is concerned about the impact of this decision on the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations,” added Stéphane Dujarric.
On the previous day, the U.S. State Department had announced that it would not grant visas to the Palestinian delegation, including Mahmoud Abbas, in protest of the lack of reforms.
Only representatives from the Palestinian mission to the UN will be able to participate in this year’s grand gathering.
