Iran: U.S. Restrictions on Iranian Delegation at U.N. General Assembly Are “Illegal”
WANA (Sep 07) – The Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Iranian Presidency criticized the U.S. government’s reported plan to impose restrictions on the Iranian delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly, calling the move “illegal” and stressing that Washington has no right to prevent member states from participating in the annual gathering.
According to media reports, the U.S. State Department is considering denying visas and restricting the movement of delegations from several countries, including Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Associated Press, citing internal State Department documents, reported that these restrictions are expected to coincide with the opening of the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly on September 22.
Commenting on the matter, the Iranian official said: “In previous administrations, such as those of Mr. Ahmadinejad and Mr. Rouhani, we also witnessed such illegal actions by the U.S. government. Even during President Trump’s first term, restrictions were imposed on the Iranian delegation.”
He added: “Under international law, the United States has no right to obstruct the entry or movement of delegations from U.N. member states. Although American compliance with the law has often been questionable, it is expected that at the very least the necessary conditions for delegations to attend meetings at the U.N. headquarters in New York will be provided.”
The diplomat further stated: “The U.S. behavior was predictable, but we hope these measures will not harm the rights of the Iranian delegation. The Islamic Republic’s delegation will pursue its mission in New York with full determination, including delivering its scheduled speeches. Restrictions may have some impact, but they will not seriously hinder the delegation’s work.”
It is worth noting that in previous years, the Trump administration took similar actions, including revoking the visas of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his large delegation, preventing them from attending the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency
