Erdogan, Macron Condemn Trump Administration’s Denials of Visas for Palestinian Officials

Latest Developments

Turkey Unhappy With Visa Ban: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that the United States reverse its decision to revoke the visas of Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 9. “The decision needs to be urgently revised,” he asserted on September 2, adding that “the United Nations General Assembly exists for the issues of the world to be discussed and for solutions to be found,” and that “the Palestinian delegation not being at the General Assembly would only please Israel.” The U.S. Department of State’s decision to deny the visas will prevent PA President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials from entering the United States to attend the assembly.
France Voices Concern Over Decision: French President Emmanuel Macron also called for the Trump administration to reverse its PA and PLO visa ban, labeling the measure as “unacceptable,” and not “in accordance with the Host Country Agreement,” which provides the legal basis for the United Nations to be headquartered in the United States. “Our objective is clear: to rally the broadest possible international support for the Two-State Solution — the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the French leader said, noting that he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly before releasing the statement. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Macron, accusing him of “trying to intervene from the outside in a conflict to which he is not a party,” and “destabilizing the region with his actions.”
PA Attempting Visa Denial Bypass: The PA is reportedly attempting to persuade the United States to lift its visa restrictions ahead of the UNGA meeting. “We are determined that the voice of the Palestinian people will be heard, and that the Palestinian president’s speech will be delivered at the UN by any means possible,” a PA official told The Times of Israel, adding that Washington is “complicating matters.” If the visa restrictions are upheld, the same official said that a remote address by Abbas is being considered as an option.

FDD Expert Response

“Members of the Turkish government who have criticized Washington’s visa decision, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Speaker of the Parliament Numan Kurtulmus, and President Erdogan, are advocates for the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. They are associated with Turkish organizations that are offshoots of these entities. As such, the revocation of U.S. visas could be extended to them due to their persistent and ongoing support for terrorism.” — Sinan Ciddi, Senior Fellow

“While the inability to reward people who support terrorism in person may be disappointing to Erdogan and Macron, the Trump administration’s decision to exclude those who sponsor terrorists from entering the United States is the right move for homeland security. If you support terrorism, you shouldn’t get a visa, and we know that both the PLO and PA continue incitement and pay-to-slay.” — Richard Goldberg, Senior Advisor

“Erdogan’s criticism of the U.S. decision to block visas for members of the PLO and the PA is the height of hypocrisy. Turkey has called for the suspension of Israel, a member state of the United Nations, from any roles in international organizations and from being able to vote in the UN General Assembly. Ankara also desires a state for the Palestinian people but has refused to accept Gazans seeking to find refuge in Turkey, allowing only a few to receive medical treatment. Gazans have been left to fend for themselves while Erdogan offers only words of encouragement.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Congressional Relations, FDD Action