The UN General Assembly voted 145-5 to let Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas address world leaders via video after the US refused him a visa.
NEW YORK: The United Nations General Assembly has voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual gathering remotely, after the United States denied him a visa to travel to New York.
The decision was approved on Friday with 145 countries in favour, five against, and six abstentions. Under the resolution, Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials will be able to participate in UN meetings and conferences via video link for the next year if they cannot travel to the United States.
“The State of Palestine may submit a pre-recorded statement of its President, which will be played in the General Assembly Hall,” the resolution stated. This move ensures Abbas can still speak at one of the most important diplomatic stages despite Washington’s restrictions.
The annual UN speeches are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, following a summit of world leaders on Monday. Abbas’s intervention, now set to be delivered virtually, is expected to highlight the Palestinian position on ongoing regional tensions.
The US had revoked visas for Abbas and 80 senior Palestinian officials last month, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing national security interests. The move drew criticism from many countries who argued that blocking a UN member’s participation undermines international dialogue.
This vote reflects widespread global support for ensuring Palestinian voices remain part of international debates, even as political tensions with the US continue.
