Erdogan Urges US to Allow Palestinian Leaders at UN General Assemble
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States to reverse its decision to bar Palestinian Authority leaders from attending the UN General Assembly in New York this month.
Erdogan Criticises US Visa Restrictions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to members of the Palestinian Authority, preventing them from attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Speaking to Turkish journalists aboard his flight back from China, where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Erdogan described the US stance as contradictory to the very mission of the UN.
“The decision is not in line with the raison d’être of the United Nations. We believe that it should be revised as soon as possible,” Erdogan said.
UN Summit and Palestinian Representation
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly will take place later this month, with global leaders expected to focus heavily on the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict, which has escalated sharply since Hamas’s October 2023 attack and Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza.
Erdogan stressed that barring Palestinian officials from the UNGA undermines the principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and multilateralism, all of which are central to the UN’s foundation.
Turkey’s Strong Support for Palestine
An outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights, Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and called for stronger international recognition of the State of Palestine.
- Earlier this year, he welcomed decisions by Belgium, Canada, France, and Australia to recognise Palestine at the UN.
- Turkey continues to advocate for a two-state solution, while denouncing what Erdogan has termed as Israel’s “occupation policies.”
International Implications
The US visa denial has sparked diplomatic concerns, particularly at a time when calls for Palestinian representation in global forums are growing.
Analysts warn that excluding Palestinian leaders from the UNGA could:
- Deepen mistrust in the UN’s neutrality.
- Strengthen divisions between Washington and countries backing Palestinian statehood.
- Provide momentum to states pushing for a wider recognition of Palestine.
Key Talking Points
- Erdogan urges the United States to reverse visa denial for Palestinian leaders.
- US decision described as against the raison d’être of the UN.
- Issue arises ahead of the UN General Assembly session in New York.
- Erdogan speaks after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.
- Turkey positions itself as a leading advocate for Palestine in international diplomacy.
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