Geneva is prepared to do what New York won’t do — host the U.N. General Assembly’s annual Palestinian debate, with Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasir Arafat as Keynote speaker.
The Swiss believe it is good politics, as well as good business for local hotels in the slack season.
A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said here Wednesday that Switzerland was ready to grant Arafat a visa and to host the General Assembly debate.
The U.S. State Department has refused to grant an entry visa to Arafat to address the General Assembly in New York, on grounds that his association with terrorism makes him a security risk.
The American action has been almost universally condemned by its Western European allies, Arab, Third World and Communist bloc countries.
That virtually assures an overwhelming vote to switch the General Assembly session from New York to Geneva, if Washington does not relent.
Despite the short notice of the change in venue, there are no logistical problems expected here. The session would be held in the huge assembly hall where the yearly conferences of the World Health Organization and International Labor Organization convene.
The U.N. headquarters here can quickly supply the necessary secretarial help, interpreters and security personnel for a full-fledged session of the General Assembly.
There are also adequate accommodations for more than 1,000 delegates. In fact, Geneva hotels, with a high vacancy rate, would welcome them.
The Swiss have put one restriction on the meeting. It must not take place between Christmas and New Year, when the police are on vacation.
The Swiss intend to ask for the help of the police from other cantons as well as the help of the army to guard the U.N. buildings and its surroundings.
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