US Pressures Palestinian Authority to Withdraw UN Vice-Presidency Bid
US arm twists Palestinian Authority to drop bid for UN vice-presidency role
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The United States has pressured the Palestinian Authority to withdraw its bid for a vice-presidency role at the UN General Assembly, fearing it would allow Palestinians to lead significant debates on West Asia. A State Department cable warned of consequences if the bid is not retracted by May 22.
- 01The US State Department issued a cable on May 19, instructing its embassy in Jerusalem to pressure the Palestinian Authority regarding their UN bid.
- 02The Palestinian Authority is running for one of 16 vice-presidential positions in the UN General Assembly elections scheduled for June 2.
- 03US officials expressed concerns that a Palestinian vice president could lead high-profile sessions on Middle East issues during UNGA81 in September.
- 04Palestinian diplomat Riyad Mansour previously withdrew his candidacy for UN General Assembly president due to US lobbying.
- 05The US warned that failure to withdraw the vice-presidency bid could damage relations with the Palestinian Authority and lead to potential visa revocations for the Palestinian UN mission.
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The United States has taken a strong stance against the Palestinian Authority's bid for a vice-presidency role at the United Nations General Assembly, as reported by The Guardian. A State Department cable dated May 19 instructed the US embassy in Jerusalem to issue a formal protest, urging the Palestinian leadership to withdraw their candidacy by May 22. The US fears that if elected, a Palestinian vice president could chair important debates on West Asia, particularly during the UNGA81 high-level week in September. The cable emphasized that the Palestinian Authority's pursuit of this role undermines US efforts for peace in the region, specifically President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan for Gaza reconstruction. The memo also noted that Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian representative, had previously withdrawn from the presidential race under US pressure, indicating a need for constructive engagement. The US warned of serious consequences if the Palestinian delegation does not comply, including potential visa revocations for their UN mission, highlighting the tense dynamics between the US and Palestinian leadership.
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The US pressure on the Palestinian Authority could hinder their diplomatic efforts and affect their relations with the US, potentially impacting aid and support.
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