UN General Assembly allows Abbas to participate in general debate via video

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' participation in this year's general debate via video, following the United States' denial of a visa to him.

The resolution, adopted with 152 votes in favor, 3 against and 4 abstentions, decides that Palestine may submit a pre-recorded statement by Abbas, which will be played in the General Assembly Hall during the general debate at the 81st session after introduction by its representative who is physically present.

The resolution also decides that Palestine may deliver statements via videoconference or submit a pre-recorded statement at meetings of the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution.

The resolution allows Palestine to submit a pre-recorded statement of its president or any other high-level representative at any high-level meeting or UN conference, as well as at international conferences and meetings convened under the auspices of the General Assembly or other UN organs, if representatives of Palestine are prevented from participating in UN meetings.

The United States on Wednesday extended visa restrictions on Palestinian officials, including Abbas, preventing him from attending the UN General Assembly high-level week in person for the second consecutive year.