US extends visa denial for Palestinian officials ahead of UNGA

The United States will extend visa sanctions on Palestinian Authority (PA) officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its State Department said on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

This was "as a consequence of their failure to reform, contrary to their commitments to the United States and their ongoing activities that undermine the prostects for peace," the department said in a statement. The PA and PLO had "once again, failed to live up to their commitments," it added.

The State Department accused the Palestinian Authority and the PLO of taking actions "to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice." It also accused the groups of "continuing to pay stipends to terrorists."

Meanwhile, news agency AFP reported that the US had denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas an entry visa to attend the UN General Assemblyin New York next week, citing a source familiar with the case. 

As per a 1947 UN "headquarters agreement," the US is required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN Headquarters in New York. However, Washington has said it can deny visas for reasons of security, foreign policy and extremism.

Washington had denied visas to several Palestinians ahead of last years's UN General Assembly as well, and did not allow Abbas to travel to New York.

The US State Department's latest statement comes as the 193-member UN General Assembly is due to vote on Thursday to allow Abbas to submit a video statement for the gathering next week, like he did last year.

The Palestinian Authority, which represents the Palestinian people at the UN, is not a full member and has not vote in the General Assembly. They are an observer state which holds the same status as the Vatican.

However, several UN members including France recognized a Palestinian state at the UN last year. 

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