Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M Abu Shawesh has expressed criticism over the United States' decision to extend visa restrictions on members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The US State Department announced the extension of sanctions, citing the two Palestinian bodies' failure to live up to their commitments under US legislation.
The US State Department stated that the PLO and PA had taken actions contrary to their commitments, including initiating and supporting actions at international organizations that undermine and contradict prior commitments in support of Security Council Resolution 242 and 338. This move has been seen as a significant development ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Reacting to the restrictions, Abu Shawesh said that Palestinians assess international actors based on their approach to the Palestinian struggle. He invoked the example of former South African President Nelson Mandela, stating that Palestinians judge people based on their attitude towards their struggle.
Abu Shawesh linked the latest US decision to Washington's conduct during the war in Gaza, arguing that the United States had moved away from its role as a host country for the United Nations. He stated that the US has started behaving like the owner of the United Nations, dictating who can participate and not participate in the organization.
The extended restrictions would prevent Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to New York ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly, marking the second consecutive year he has been prevented from attending the UNGA in person. Abbas's expected address was set to focus on international recognition of Palestinian statehood and renewed momentum behind a two-state solution.
Amid the visa restrictions, Abu Shawesh reiterated that the Palestinian leadership's position on statehood and a two-state solution has remained unchanged since the beginning of the peace process. He stated that President Abbas will stress the same issue, emphasizing the need for a sovereign Palestinian state and the two-state solution.
The Palestinian leadership's position on statehood and a two-state solution has been a long-standing one, dating back to the signing of the Oslo Accords. Abu Shawesh emphasized that the Palestinian leadership has not changed its position in 33 years, and that they are still seeking peace and statehood on 22% of their historical land.
Key points
- US extends visa restrictions on PLO members and PA officials.
- Palestinian Ambassador to India criticizes US decision.
- Restrictions prevent Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from attending UNGA.
