Palestinian Authority official criticizes US decision to bar Abbas from UN General Assembly

A senior Palestinian official rejected the United States' decision to bar PA President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the UN General Assembly in New York to deliver his speech in person. The official, who is one of Abbas's closest associates, expressed dissatisfaction with what he said appeared to be the US administration's lack of consideration for the efforts made by the PA to implement some new moves and reforms. "It is clear that the US has taken a position without considering the details,” he claimed, referring to reforms the PA has begun introducing into its institutions as part of its commitments to the international community. "It seems that the issue is not the reforms we make or do not make.