Shultz Urged to Reject Any Visa Request by Arafat
Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole urged Secretary of State George P. Shultz on Thursday to instruct U.S. consulates around the world to deny any visa application from PLO leader Yasser Arafat.
The Kansas Republican said in a statement that he is “deeply disturbed” by reports that Arafat is planning to attend a Security Council meeting on the Palestine question that may be held next month at the United Nations, where the Palestine Liberation Organization has observer status.
“I do not want Arafat in the United States spreading his poison. The American people do not want him here. I am sure you don’t either,” Dole said in a letter to Shultz.
He added, “We have the right to deny him a visa under the Immigration and Naturalization Act and other laws and in accord with our headquarters agreement with the U.N.”
The United Nations, which has its headquarters in New York, recognizes the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
