Even Erdogan Did Not Help: Bad News for Abu Mazen Ahead of UN General Assembly

According to a report in the Jerusalem Post this Thursday, the Trump administration plans to prevent the entry of Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) to New York again this year for the purpose of addressing the UN General Assembly.

Despite mediation attempts by Turkish President Erdogan, the White House refuses to issue visas to Abu Mazen and his senior officials, which is expected to lead to a recorded speech from Ramallah. The move is sparking a legal dispute at the UN surrounding the "UN Headquarters Agreement" and the obligation to allow access to diplomats.

As recalled, last year US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to grant visas to senior officials in the Palestinian Authority and the PLO, including Abu Mazen, ahead of the UN General Assembly. In Washington, they justified the move by citing payments to terrorists, incitement, and efforts to promote unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, while Abu Mazen demanded that the administration reverse the decision.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated:

"In accordance with the laws and national security interests of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is revoking the visas of members of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly."

Abu Mazen said in response that "this decision is contrary to international law and the UN Charter, especially since the Authority is an observer member at the UN." He added that "the Palestinian Authority Presidency demands that the American administration reconsider and reverse this decision. The Authority's Presidency emphasizes its commitment to international law, international resolutions, and all obligations for peace, as stated in the letter that Abu Mazen sent to all world leaders, including President Trump."