New york: The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver his speech via video during next week’s high-level General Debate. This decision, reported by Anadolu Agency, permits Abbas to participate through a pre-recorded statement in the assembly’s 80th session.
According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution received support from 145 member states, while six countries abstained, and five, including the United States and Israel, opposed it. The resolution follows the United States’ decision to deny and revoke visas for Abbas and senior Palestinian Authority officials, effectively barring their travel to New York for the UN’s annual gathering.
This US action coincides with announcements from several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada, of their intentions to formally recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly meetings. These nations join 147 others that have already extended recognition.
Following the vote, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour expressed gratitude to the countries that supported the measure. He emphasized that the host country must adhere to its obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement. Mansour criticized the visa denials as an “abuse of authority and a punishment for the State of Palestine.” He reaffirmed Palestine’s determination to maintain its right to full participation at the UN.