UN General Assembly allows Abbas to participate in debate via video

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday (17/9) passed a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate in this year’s general debate via video, following the denial of a visa to him by the United States.

The resolution, adopted with 152 votes in favour, three against, and four abstentions, decided that Palestine may deliver Abbas’s pre-recorded statements. The recording will be played in the General Assembly Hall during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, after being introduced by the Palestinian representative present in person.

The resolution also decided that Palestine may deliver statements via videoconference or present pre-recorded statements at international high-level conferences regarding the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of a two-state solution.

Furthermore, the resolution permits Palestine to deliver pre-recorded statements from the president or other high-level representatives at any high-level meeting or UN conference, as well as in international conferences and meetings organised under the auspices of the General Assembly or other UN bodies, should Palestinian representatives be prevented from participating in UN meetings.

The US on Wednesday (16/9) extended visa restrictions on Palestinian officials, including Abbas, meaning Abbas is unable to attend the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in person for the second year in a row.