Baghdad: The UN General Assembly has granted permission for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the annual gathering of world leaders via video link next week. This marks the second consecutive year that Abbas will deliver his speech remotely rather than in person.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this decision comes in the wake of the United States once again denying Abbas an entry visa to visit New York. The UN’s authorization extends to other senior Palestinian officials, allowing them to participate in UN meetings and conferences through video link over the next year if they are unable to travel to the United States.