Paris: Blocking Palestinian officials from entering New York is unacceptable

Iraq is mobilizing for a high-level regional conference to discuss the future of the region and its security and political challenges, with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders. According to a statement received by (Al-Zaman) yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani received a phone call from President Macron during which they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance partnership and cooperation across various fields, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Al Sudani referred to the government’s efforts to convene a regional conference in Baghdad to discuss regional issues, emphasizing the importance of Macron’s upcoming visit to Baghdad. He renewed Iraq’s appreciation for France’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, stressing that violations committed in Palestinian territories represent a serious precedent that complicates the international situation and poses real challenges to the global order.

He added that Iraq focuses on economic development and plays a constructive role in the region, warning of the risks of a new war erupting that would threaten regional security and stability. Al Sudani affirmed Iraq’s readiness to work with France and all partners, including Iran and the United States, to avoid sliding into a new confrontation. He also said Iraq would take all necessary steps serving its national interest and the goal of preventing war through dialogue based on international law.

For his part, Macron praised the level of security and stability in Iraq and the government’s efforts to maintain the country’s stability, affirming France’s pride in the deep strategic relations between the two countries and its desire to continue supporting Iraq. Discussions were also held regarding Macron’s planned visit to Baghdad, with hopes that the visit will achieve its practical objectives.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned the US refusal to grant visas to Palestinian Authority officials, stressing that access to the United Nations headquarters in New York cannot be subject to any restrictions. Le Drian stated in Copenhagen before a meeting of EU foreign ministers that the UN headquarters is a neutral place serving peace and that attendance at the UN General Assembly cannot be restricted.

Washington announced its decision the day before yesterday, a few weeks before the UN General Assembly in September, where France will push for recognition of the State of Palestine. The US State Department said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuses and cancels visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority before the UN General Assembly convenes. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel also condemned the decision, stating that “we cannot be held hostage,” proposing a special session of the UN General Assembly in Geneva to ensure Palestinian attendance. He added, “We must be able to have discussions among ourselves and cannot simply exclude Palestine from the dialogue.”