The United Nations General Assembly on Friday voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver his remarks to next week’s high-level annual gathering by video, after the United States declined to grant him a visa to attend in person.
The resolution passed with 145 votes in favor, five against, and six abstentions. It permits Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials to participate in UN meetings remotely over the next year if they are unable to travel to the US.
“The State of Palestine may submit a pre-recorded statement of its President, which will be played in the General Assembly Hall,” the text of the resolution stated.
The speeches of world leaders at the General Assembly are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, following a summit on Monday.
The decision comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded the visas of Abbas and around 80 Palestinian officials last month, citing national security concerns. Washington’s move drew criticism from several UN members, who argued it undermined the forum’s inclusivity.
Diplomats noted that the resolution sets a precedent, giving Palestine greater flexibility in addressing multilateral forums despite its ongoing dispute with the US. For Abbas, the platform provides an opportunity to press the Palestinian case before the international community at a time of heightened regional tensions.
–Input WAM
