Abbas pledges first Palestinian parliamentary vote in 20 years as doubts mount

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed plans to hold the first parliamentary election in 20 years on November 28, despite domestic skepticism. Presenting at the UN General Assembly, Abbas also criticized US restrictions on the Palestinian delegation's access to UN headquarters.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ali Sawafta Sept 24 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed plans to hold legislative elections on November 28, the first such vote in 20 years despite serious domestic doubts it will go ahead, as he seeks to advance internationally backed reforms. Abbas, 90, used a pre-recorded video address to the UN General Assembly to condemn US restrictions on the Palestinian delegation's access to UN headquarters, calling them a breach of Washington's obligations as host nation.