Abbas Addresses UN by Video After U.S. Visa Denial, Urges States to Stop Arming Israel
Published
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly on Thursday by prerecorded video from Ramallah after the United States again denied him a visa. Abbas asked, "How much longer will some states continue to remain silent against Israel or supply it with the weapons it uses against our people?" He urged a two-state solution and said Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem need "one legitimate entity authorized to bear arms." Israel's delegation seats sat vacant during the speech. The Assembly approved the video format on September 17 by 152 to 3; the United States, voting against with Israel, said the PA still refuses to directly condemn terrorist attacks on Israelis and keeps paying "terrorists, living and dead."
