A visa denial with international implications.

by Eze Eluchie

Can the United States or anyone country arrogate to itself the right to decide who can represent another member State of the United Nations at the UN or other international organizations?

With the decision by United States authorities to deny necessary entry visa to Mr. Hamid Aboutalebi, the chosen representative of the Republic of Iran to the United Nations, in clear violation of the United Nations charter, are we witnessing the nunc dimittis of the United Nations Organization? 

Delay in the issuance of entry visa to ICC-indictee and President of the Republic of Sudan had likewise posed an affront to the UN charter but was overtaken by events as the General Assembly session which President al-Bashir had sought to attend had conveniently lapsed by the time a decision on the visa application was made.

The issue here is the obligation of States to comply with international treaties which they signed unto. The United States is a global leader in demanding and ensuring the observance and compliance with the 'rule of law' and as such cannot be seen to be flouting express provisions of treaties it has entered into. Prior to consenting to having the Headquarters of the United Nations Organization on its soil, the US had undertaken to allow all State representatives to the UN access to its territory for UN businesses - the US thus ought to have allowed the Iranian diplomat access to the UN!   

There certainly are smarter ways to dealing with the issue of a diplomat you have to have on your soil without flouting international laws. You could for instance restrict the diplomat movement in such a way that he will pray and yearn to be sent back home.

Descent into breaching express provisions of international treaties is certainly not what is expected of a country the world has come to associate as a bastion of democracy and champion of hope. I sure do believe the US State Department is populated with entities that can churn out better ideas and advice.

We sure are living in very interesting times.

Picture: United nations Headquarters complex, New York, USA.