Abbas Addresses UN, Calls for Palestinian State Within a Year
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a U.S. entry visa, participated via video link in a UN-backed conference on the situation in the Palestinian territories. The event, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session and initiated by Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, was attended by high-ranking representatives from numerous countries, as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, according to Maan news agency.
Abbas urged the implementation of the U.S. peace plan for Gaza, which is enshrined in a Security Council resolution. He emphasized that the plan includes not only the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip but also the prospect of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The PA leader announced an extensive reform plan and the alignment of the education system with UNESCO standards. He stated that parliamentary elections would be held on November 28, followed by presidential elections, which he believes will unify the Palestinian people, territory, and political system.
"It is necessary to save the two-state solution, end violations of international law, settler violence, annexations, settler terrorism, prevent construction in the E1 area, and unfreeze Palestinian funds held abroad, which exceed six billion dollars," Abbas said. He concluded his address by stating, "The Palestinian people want peace based on international legitimacy. Let the coming year be the year of ending the occupation, realizing the Palestinian state, achieving peace and regional security based on guaranteed sovereign rights for states and peoples, a year of stability and prosperity."
