US Pressures Palestinian UN Envoy to Withdraw Candidacy Amid Diplomatic Tensions
US threatens Palestinian UN envoy – media

Image: Rt
The United States is reportedly pressuring Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, to withdraw his candidacy for a senior General Assembly position, threatening visa revocations if he does not comply. This move is part of a broader effort to curb Palestinian diplomatic initiatives at the UN, particularly regarding full membership and leadership roles.
- 01The US has warned Riyad Mansour that his General Assembly bid could undermine the Gaza peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump.
- 02Mansour previously withdrew a bid for General Assembly president earlier this year due to US lobbying efforts.
- 03The General Assembly is set to elect its next president and 16 vice-presidents on June 2, 2024.
- 04Palestinian tax and customs revenues withheld by Israel will remain frozen unless the Palestinian Authority engages in good faith negotiations.
- 05The Palestinian Authority holds non-member observer state status at the UN, requiring Security Council approval for full membership.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The United States is exerting pressure on Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, to withdraw his candidacy for a senior position in the General Assembly. Reports indicate that the US has threatened to revoke the Palestinian delegation's visas if Mansour does not comply. This pressure comes amid ongoing Palestinian efforts to enhance their diplomatic standing at the UN, including aspirations for full membership and a vice-presidential role in the General Assembly, which have faced opposition from both the US and Israel. An internal State Department cable instructed US diplomats to inform Mansour that his bid could escalate tensions and jeopardize President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. Mansour had previously withdrawn his candidacy for the presidency of the General Assembly earlier this year following similar US lobbying. The Assembly is scheduled to elect its next president and 16 vice-presidents on June 2, 2024. Additionally, US officials reminded Palestinian leaders that progress on recovering tax revenues withheld by Israel is contingent on their willingness to engage in good faith negotiations. The Palestinian Authority currently holds non-member observer state status at the UN, which does not grant it voting rights in the 193-member Assembly.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The US pressure on the Palestinian envoy could significantly affect the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic efforts and funding, impacting its governance and relations with Israel.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the US reconsider its stance on Palestinian representation at the UN?
Connecting to poll...
More about United Nations

UN Condemns Taliban's New Child Marriage Regulations Amid Growing Concerns for Women's Rights
Mail Online • May 21, 2026

Challenges of Achieving Lasting Ceasefires in Iran and Ukraine
The Conversation • May 21, 2026

Russia Accuses Latvia of Supporting Ukraine's Drone Strikes Amid Rising Tensions
France 24 • May 21, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




