USA: Congress backs bill to deny visa to Iran's UN envoy
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 10 April 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, USA: Congress backs bill to deny visa to Iran's UN envoy, 10 April 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5360baf77.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 10, 2014
Hamid Abutalebi
The U.S. Congress has passed a measure that, if signed by the president, would effectively deny a visa to Iran's choice of ambassador to the United Nations.
The House of Representatives passed the bill unanimously on April 10, four days after the Senate did the same.
The measure now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Hamid Abutalebi is accused of participating in the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the holding of 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
Abutalebi denies playing any role in the embassy seizure, saying he only served as a translator for the hostage-takers.
On April 8, the Obama administration said Abutalebi's expected nomination was "not viable."
Iran has rejected the U.S. reservations as "unacceptable."
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
