Obama Signs Act To Deny Visa To Iran Envoy

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday signed an act aimed at blocking a controversial pick by Iran to be its next United Nations envoy.



Iran announced that it would appoint Hamid Aboutalebi, an alleged conspirator in the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran during the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution, to be its next UN ambassador.



Iran has stood by its decision despite pressure from the U.S. to withdraw its choice. The U.S. Congress passed the bill that would deny Aboutalebi a visa last week.



"Acts of espionage and terrorism against the United States and our allies are unquestionably problems of the utmost gravity," said Obama in a statement issued to the press. "I share the Congress's concern that individuals who have engaged in such activity may use the cover of diplomacy to gain access to our nation." 



The act bars individuals from entry to the U.S. as UN representatives who "have been engaged in espionage or terrorist activity directed against the United States or its allies."



Still, Obama said that he would treat the act as advisory in order to ensure that his ability to receive or reject ambassadors is not impeded by the law.



The UN's headquarters is located in the U.S. state of New York. All UN ambassadors are required to have a valid U.S. visa to access the site.



englishnews@aa.com.tr - Washington DC