India Backs Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Video Address at UNGA
India has voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address next week’s high-level UN meeting through a pre-recorded video after the United States denied him a visa to travel to New York.
India Backs Abbas Video Address at UNGA
The resolution was adopted with 152 countries voting in favour, while the United States, Israel and Paraguay opposed it. Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Peru abstained.
The measure allows Abbas to deliver his statement remotely during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
It also permits other senior Palestinian officials to participate remotely in certain UN meetings and conferences if they are prevented from travelling to the United States.
US Denies Mahmoud Abbas Visa Again
Washington extended visa restrictions on officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority, preventing Abbas from attending the annual UN gathering in person for the second consecutive year.
The United States has accused the Palestinian leadership of pursuing measures against Israel through international institutions and has defended the restrictions as consistent with its foreign policy and security interests.
Palestinian representatives have rejected the US decision and argued that their delegation should be allowed to participate fully in UN proceedings.
India Maintains Support for Palestinian Participation
India’s vote places New Delhi among the overwhelming majority of UN member states supporting arrangements that ensure Palestinian representation at the General Assembly despite the visa restrictions.
India has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine while supporting a negotiated two-state solution involving an independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.
Abbas is expected to address world leaders remotely during the high-level UN session in New York.
