Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that discussions on Palestinian issues must include Palestinian participation.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan expressed concern over the US decision to revoke visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas. During his visit to the Turkish Press Association in Ankara, Fidan stated that denying visas does not negate Palestine’s participation as a state, referencing the UN Charter that allows the Palestinian permanent representative to attend General Assembly meetings on behalf of Palestine.
He highlighted the potential absence of President Abbas due to the visa issue and mentioned that the Gaza Contact Group of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League had issued a statement urging the correction of this decision.
Fidan also announced plans for a UN-led conference on Palestine, with efforts spearheaded by several countries, including Turkey. He noted that Western nations, particularly France and Belgium, are expected to take steps to recognize the Palestinian state.
The Turkish Foreign Minister detailed consultations with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman, stressing the importance of not delaying the recognition of the State of Palestine.
Fidan underscored the significance of France and Britain, as permanent Security Council members, recognizing the Palestinian state. He relayed that neighboring Arab countries believe that recognition by influential parties would greatly benefit the Palestinian cause.
On August 29, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed surprise at the US decision, viewing it as a violation of the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which facilitates the entry of UN member state representatives into the US.
Ahmed Al-Deek, political assistant to the Palestinian Foreign Minister, criticized the US decision as a breach of the agreement that obliges the US to grant necessary visas to representatives of UN member states, regardless of political relations.
France and Britain have previously announced intentions to recognize the Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings. Israel, meanwhile, continues its occupation of Palestine, resisting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.