The U.N. General Assembly voted Friday to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver his speech to world leaders by video after the United States denied him a visa to travel to New York.

The resolution, adopted by a wide margin with 145 votes in favor, 5 against and 6 abstentions, permits Abbas to address next week’s high-level annual meeting remotely. The United States, Israel and a handful of other countries opposed the move.

Washington’s decision to revoke visas for Abbas and dozens of Palestinian officials drew sharp criticism from member states, many of whom said the U.S. was undermining its responsibilities as host country of the U.N. headquarters. The 1947 Host Country Agreement obliges the U.S. to facilitate access for foreign leaders and diplomats attending official U.N. functions.

Abbas had been scheduled to attend the gathering in person and was also expected to participate in talks on a two-state solution convened by France and Saudi Arabia. The visa denial, however, forced Palestinian authorities to request the unusual measure of a video address.

Supporters of the resolution framed the decision as a necessary step to preserve the Assembly’s inclusive nature. Opponents, led by the U.S. and Israel, argued that the measure set a precedent that undermines the body’s rules.

The dispute comes amid renewed international attention on Palestinian statehood, with reports that several Western nations — including France, the United Kingdom and Canada — are preparing to extend formal recognition in the coming weeks. (Newswire)

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