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