The United Nations General Assembly adopted a draft resolution calling on the United States to reverse its decision preventing the Palestinian delegation from attending the 81st session in person. The resolution was supported by 152 countries, while the United States, Israel and Paraguay voted against it; Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Peru abstained.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed the adoption of the resolution. The ministry argued that the US administration’s decision was clearly contrary to the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.
For the second consecutive year, the US administration prevented senior Palestinian delegates from receiving visas to attend General Assembly meetings in New York. On Wednesday, the United States extended visa restrictions targeting members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority officials.
US justifications for the visa decision
The US Department of State cited Palestine’s initiatives before international organizations, its applications to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, and efforts to secure recognition of a Palestinian state outside the negotiation process among the reasons for the visa restrictions.
Washington also argued that the Palestinian side continued making payments to individuals whom the United States describes as “terrorists.” The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the US decision unjustified and inconsistent with efforts to rebuild trust in Palestinian-US relations.
Palestine emphasizes political solution
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said that the Palestine Liberation Organization was the legitimate and sole representative of the Palestinian people. The ministry stated that the Palestinian Authority remained committed to peace, international law, decisions on international legitimacy and a two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967, borders.
The statement said that violence and terrorism were rejected and that the conflict must be resolved on the basis of international law and legitimacy. The Palestinian Authority also said it would continue working to protect the Palestinian people, defend their rights through political, legal and diplomatic means, and establish an independent Palestinian state.
Abbas to address assembly by video link
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the General Assembly resolution had thwarted efforts to prevent Palestine from participating in high-level sessions. The ministry stated that the voice of the Palestinian people would reach the United Nations and that Mahmoud Abbas’s address would be delivered by video link at the scheduled date and time.
Abbas also addressed the General Assembly by video last year because he was unable to travel to New York. At the time, the United Nations said allowing virtual participation did not exempt the United States from its obligations under the Headquarters Agreement.
81st session of the General Assembly
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly began on September 8. The high-level sessions and general debate will be held in New York from September 22 to 28, and Abbas is expected to speak on September 24.
