UN Allows Palestinian President to Address Leaders via Video Link Amid US Snub

UN Votes to Allow Palestinian President to Address Annual Gathering Via Video Link The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address next week's annual gathering of world leaders via video link, following a decision by the US not to grant him a visa. The resolution, which received 145 votes in favor and five against, with six countries abstaining, was passed despite opposition from the US. The move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing Middle East peace process. According to UN officials, the decision to allow Abbas to address the assembly via video link was made after negotiations between the Palestinian delegation and UN representatives. "We are pleased that the General Assembly has taken this step," said a UN spokesperson. "It's a positive development for the Palestinian people and for the international community." The US decision not to grant visas to 90 members of the Palestinian delegation, including Abbas, was seen as a major obstacle to their participation in the conference and the UN general assembly high-level week. The move was widely criticized by other countries, with many accusing the US of attempting to undermine the peace process. "This is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to isolate the Palestinian people and undermine their right to self-determination," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian delegation. "We will continue to push for a two-state solution and an end to the occupation." The conference on Monday, which is expected to be attended by several western countries including Canada, France, the UK, Belgium, and Australia, is seen as a key opportunity for progress in the peace process. The UK has announced that it will formally recognize Palestine at the conference. Background The US decision not to grant visas to the Palestinian delegation was made despite repeated assurances from UN officials that Abbas would be allowed to address the assembly via video link if necessary. The move has been widely criticized by human rights groups and other countries, who argue that it undermines the principles of international law and the rights of the Palestinian people. Additional Perspectives The decision to allow Abbas to address the assembly via video link has been welcomed by many in the international community, including human rights groups and other countries. "This is a positive step forward for the Palestinian people," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "We hope that it will be followed by further progress towards a two-state solution." Current Status The UN general assembly high-level week is set to begin on Tuesday, with Abbas expected to address the assembly via video link on Wednesday. The conference on Monday is expected to be attended by several western countries, including Canada, France, the UK, Belgium, and Australia. Next Developments The decision to allow Abbas to address the assembly via video link is seen as a significant development in the ongoing Middle East peace process. Further progress towards a two-state solution will depend on the outcome of the conference on Monday and the UN general assembly high-level week. *Reporting by Theguardian.*