UN Approves Video Speech for Abbas After US Denies Visa

The United Nations General Assembly approved on Thursday Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's request to deliver his address via video link at the upcoming annual summit of world leaders. This decision comes after the United States denied him an entry visa to New York, marking the second consecutive year Abbas will participate remotely due to a US visa refusal.

The resolution passed with a significant majority of 152 member states voting in favor, three against, and four abstaining. It also allows Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials to participate via video in UN meetings and conferences throughout the coming year if they are denied entry to the United States.

The US had announced on Wednesday the extension of visa restrictions on senior officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The State Department cited, among other reasons, Palestinian actions on the international stage, including pursuing legal action against Israel in international forums.

A senior Palestinian official confirmed to Reuters that Abbas's visa application had been rejected. US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, stated prior to the vote that if the Palestinian Authority seeks to be considered a partner, it must alter its policies on several issues criticized by Washington.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour condemned the US decision. Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the US is generally obligated to grant access to UN headquarters in New York for foreign diplomats. However, Washington maintains its right to deny visas on grounds of security, extremism, and foreign policy considerations. The high-level debate segment of the General Assembly is scheduled to take place in New York from September 22 to 29.