Will send a video again: UN approves Abbas to speak remotely at General Assembly

The UN General Assembly approved Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to speak remotely during the high-level week, after the US extended visa sanctions against him. Israel and the US opposed the move, but Abbas will deliver a recorded statement. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized, saying that as long as Abbas continues payments to terrorists, he will send videos.

The UN General Assembly approved Thursday evening for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to speak remotely during the high-level week, after the United States extended visa sanctions imposed on senior PA and PLO officials. The American move continues a policy from last year, when Washington refused to grant Abbas a visa. The State Department accused the PA of failing to meet its commitments, promoting unilateral moves at the ICC, and continuing payments to terrorists. Despite strong opposition from the US, Israel, and Paraguay, Abbas will deliver a recorded statement. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized, saying that as long as Abbas continues payments to terrorists, he will send videos. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to come to New York in person and speak at the assembly.