The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate remotely in its high-level meetings after the United States denied him a visa to travel to New York.
The resolution was adopted with 152 countries voting in favor, three voting against and four abstaining.
Abbas to Address UN General Assembly by Video
Under the resolution, Mahmoud Abbas will be able to address the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings through a pre-recorded video message despite being unable to travel to New York.
The measure also allows other senior Palestinian officials to participate remotely in certain UN meetings over the coming year if they are unable to travel.
U.S., Israel and Paraguay Vote Against
The United States, Israel and Paraguay voted against the resolution. Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Peru abstained.
The resolution was therefore adopted by an overwhelming majority of 152 votes to 3.
U.S. Denies Abbas a Visa
Washington maintained visa restrictions affecting officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, preventing Abbas and other senior Palestinian representatives from attending the meetings in New York in person.
The U.S. State Department cited concerns including Palestinian Authority reform commitments and Palestinian efforts involving international institutions and courts in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Palestinian leadership criticized the U.S. decision and opposed the restrictions preventing its officials from attending the UN meetings in person.
Second Consecutive Remote Address
Abbas also addressed the UN General Assembly remotely last year after being unable to obtain a U.S. visa.
With the latest resolution, Abbas will participate in the General Assembly’s high-level meetings by video for a second consecutive year.
The high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to begin in New York on September 22.
