Visa issues for Russia, Palestine delegations remain unresolved ahead of General Assembly's high-level week: UN

The UN said on Monday it remains in "continuous engagement" with the US over visa delays affecting member state delegations seeking to attend the General Assembly's high-level week.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news conference that "we've been in touch with our host country friends regarding the issues raised, notably by the Russian Federation, by the Palestinian delegations, and others."

He said the UN has been "encouraging them to meet their obligations under the host country" agreement.

Asked whether Washington had responded, Dujarric said: "I think the response, positive or negative, will be on the issuance or non-issuance of visas.

"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 set to start on Friday and last through Sept. 28.