by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The United States will continue denying visas to Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, a decision that will keep President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian leaders from attending next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York in person. It is the second year in a row that a Palestinian delegation has faced the restriction. The Associated Press reported that Abbas was among those affected.

The State Department said Wednesday that the two Palestinian organizations had again failed to meet commitments made to the United States. It cited their efforts to pursue action against Israel through international courts, seek recognition of Palestinian statehood outside direct negotiations, and continue payments that Washington says reward terrorism.

Those are serious charges. The department said the visa sanctions would remain in place because the Palestinian leadership had failed to reform and had undermined prospects for peace.

The Palestinian Authority rejected the allegations Thursday. Its foreign ministry defended its efforts to seek recognition through international institutions and said it remained committed to negotiations. It also argued that Israel’s actions pose the greater threat to peace.

The restriction does not leave Palestinians without a voice at the U.N. Diplomats already assigned to the Palestinian observer mission retain a waiver and can represent them at the gathering. Abbas addressed last year’s assembly by video after a similar visa decision.

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