State Department accuses PLO and PA of failing to repudiate terrorism, inciting violence, and pursuing 'international lawfare campaigns'
The US has barred Palestinian officials from attending next month’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a move that comes as several Western countries prepare to recognize a Palestinian state.
"In accordance with U.S. law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly," the State Department said in a statement on Friday.
The agency accused PLO and PA of failing to repudiate terrorism, inciting violence, and pursuing “international lawfare campaigns” through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).
"The United States remains open to re-engagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel," it added.
The State Department on July 31 imposed sanctions on the PLO and PA, denying their members visas to the US. Washington, however, recently lifted sanctions on violent Israeli settlers accused of attacks against Palestinians.
The move came as France, the UK, Canada, and Australia have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UNGA, joining more than 140 countries that already do.
Palestinian officials previously criticized the US sanctions, saying they were a "response to the significant and successive achievements of Palestinian diplomacy."
