NEW YORK, September 12, 2024 (WAFA) - In a landmark development, Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, has officially taken a seat at the UN General Assembly. 

Situated alphabetically between Sudan and Sri Lanka, Mansour's seat is marked with a sign reading "State of Palestine."

This significant moment follows a decision by the General Assembly in May, where a majority of members voted in favor of granting Palestine full membership rights. This resolution came after the United States used its veto power in the Security Council to block Palestine's bid for full UN membership.

According to the General Assembly's resolution, starting from the 79th annual session, which began this Tuesday, the Palestinian mission will have the ability to propose and amend directly, and will sit alphabetically among member states. 

Palestine has held the status of a "non-member observer state" at the UN since 2012.

To be granted full UN membership, a state must receive a two-thirds majority vote from the General Assembly following a positive recommendation from the Security Council. 

The U.S. vetoed this recommendation on April 18, preventing Palestine from achieving full membership.

M.M