Resolution was approved with a significant majority of 145 votes in favor, while Israel, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay and the US itself voted against
A It approved a resolution that will allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate in next week’s high level debate through a pre-recorded video. The measure was taken after the United States refused to issue visas for the Palestinian delegation. The resolution was approved with a significant majority of 145 votes in favor, while Israel, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay and the US themselves voted against. Six nations abstained, including Albania, Fiji, Hungary, Northern Macedonia, Panama and Papua New Guinea.
With this decision, Abbas may have his speech transmitted at the General Assembly Hall, being introduced by one of the New York -based Palestinian representatives. It is important to note that this arrangement is specific to the current 80th session of the General Assembly. The refusal of US visas was announced on August 29. The US State Department justified the decision alleging reasons for national security, stating that members of the organization for the release of Palestine and the Palestinian authority would not have fulfilled previous commitments and would be “undermining the prospects of peace.”
