EU Urges US To Reconsider Palestinian Visa Denial For UN Assembly

European Union foreign ministers, led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have urged the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, for the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York. Kallas highlighted the importance of Palestinian representation at international forums and called for adherence to existing agreements between the U.N. and its host state. This diplomatic appeal coincides with the EU's preparation of a new package of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine, with member states asked to submit proposals within the next week. The EU emphasizes its commitment to fostering peace and dialogue in the Middle East, stressing the significance of Palestinian participation in global discussions. The U.S. decision has sparked concern among EU leaders, who view it as a setback to diplomatic engagement at the U.N. assembly. The issue remains a focal point of transatlantic diplomatic discussions ahead of the summit.