The United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has said that the body was in “continuous engagement” with the United States over visa delays affecting delegations seeking to attend the General Assembly’s high-level week.
Dujarric told a news conference that the organisation had been in contact with the US over concerns raised by Russian, Palestinian delegations and others.
“We’ve been in touch with our host country friends regarding the issues raised,” Dujarric said.
He added that the UN had been encouraging Washington to meet its obligations under the host country agreement.
Asked whether the US had responded, Dujarric said the response would be reflected in whether visas were issued.
“I think the response, positive or negative, will be on the issuance or non-issuance of visas,” he said.
“As we know, sometimes these things happen at the very last minute, and we hope they will all be resolved,” he added.
The US, as host country of the UN headquarters, is obligated under a longstanding agreement to facilitate visas for delegations attending UN meetings.
The 81st UN General Assembly high-level week is scheduled to begin on Friday and continue through September 28.
