U.S. lawmakers criticize UAE for denying Peer a visa

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers criticized the United Arab Emirates on Thursday for not allowing Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer to compete at the Dubai Championships.

Democratic Representatives Shelley Berkley of Nevada and Eliot Engel of New York said the UAE should have granted Peer a visa despite concerns over security.

"While we share concerns about security, it is unacceptable to refuse an athlete the access to play in a tournament hosted by your country," the lawmakers said in a letter to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan.

"Host governments such as the UAE must do everything in their power to protect visitors, but denying them entry to the country at all is unacceptable."

Five days after Peer was denied a chance to compete at the $2 million tournament, Israeli Andy Ram was given special permission by UAE authorities to play in a men''s tournament next week.

"While we are pleased that Andy Ram was ultimately allowed to enter the UAE, your government''s decision to deny Ms. Peer entry undermines your nation''s standing and could harm U.S.-UAE relations," said Berkley and Engel.

"As Congress considers the educational and energy partnerships between our two countries, we hope you will not repeat this unfortunate decision, and in the future will allow Israeli athletes and those of other peaceful nations entry into your country without bias."

(Editing by Peter Cooney)