Abbas would refuse to meet Pence later in December in protest at the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Photo: File)

Jerusalem: The United States accused the Palestinian Authority Monday of "walking away" from a chance to discuss peace in the Middle East by snubbing Vice President Mike Pence on an upcoming visit.

Read: Palestinian president will not meet Pence: diplomatic adviser

"It's unfortunate that the Palestinian Authority is walking away again from an opportunity to discuss the future of the region," Jarrod Agen, Pence's deputy chief of staff, said in a statement.

The comments come after the Palestinian Authority said that its president Mahmud Abbas would refuse to meet Pence later in December in protest at the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.