The USA refuses for the second time the visa of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the UN General Assembly

For the second consecutive year, the United States has refused to grant Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for next week.

The decision was made by US authorities amid a lack of reforms, according to a source cited by AFP. The report does not specify which concrete measures led to the refusal, nor whether the US administration has publicly issued an official position on the decision.

Mahmoud Abbas leads the Palestinian Authority, the institution that administers parts of the West Bank. His participation in the UN’s annual meetings is significant in the context of the Palestinians’ diplomatic position and international discussions on the situation in the Middle East.

This year’s refusal follows a similar decision made by the United States last year. The UN General Assembly brings together leaders and representatives of member states annually for debates on major international issues. Details of any diplomatic steps taken by the Palestinian Authority have not been provided.