EU’s Kallas Calls on U.S. to Reconsider Visa Ban on Palestinian Officials

Kokcha News Agency – European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has called on the United States to reevaluate its decision to impose a visa ban on Palestinian officials. Speaking at an informal EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen, Kallas emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and the principles of the United Nations (UN).

“In light of the existing agreements between the UN and the host country, and considering international law and the founding principles of the UN, we call for this decision to be reconsidered,” Kallas stated. She added that EU member states are united on this issue.

The U.S. State Department recently announced that visas for Palestinian officials planning to attend the 80th UN General Assembly in New York in September had been revoked or denied. The department cited U.S. laws and accused the Palestinian leadership of “failing to condemn terrorism, inciting violence, and pursuing a ‘lawfare’ campaign against Israel through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”

Ahmed al-Deek, Political Affairs Advisor to the Palestinian Foreign Minister, expressed deep surprise at the U.S. decision, stating that it undermines the Palestinian Authority’s ability to participate in international forums.