Palestine assumes G-77 chair at UN

By Michael Hernandez</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – The state of Palestine officially assumed the chairmanship of the G-77 group of developing nations Tuesday. </p> <p>Palestine formally succeeded Egypt in chairing the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries, and China, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' chairmanship is &quot;a clear demonstration of the strong commitment of the State of Palestine to an effective Presidency.</p> <p>&quot;Palestine and its citizens have first-hand experience of some of the most challenging and dramatic global issues we face. You are well-placed to take up the chairmanship of this important group of countries,&quot; Guterres said at an event marking the presidency's handover. </p> <p>Abbas vowed Palestine's G-77 presidency will be dedicated to protecting the group's interests while additionally lashing out at Israel. </p> <p>&quot;Israel's continued colonization and occupation of Palestine undermines our development, and capacity for cooperation and coordination, and obstructs cohesive future development for all peoples of the region,&quot; he said at the UN's New York headquarters. </p> <p>&quot;The establishment of peace and security in the Middle East will significantly enhance the opportunities for sustainable development for all countries of the region,&quot; added Abbas. </p> <p>As head of the G-77, Palestine — which is a non-member observer state — will be able to act as a member state and exercise its right to reply as a member of the bloc.</p> <p>Palestine has been a non-member observer state since 2012, and has the right to vote on some General Assembly resolutions and participate in UN organizations.</p> <p>*Betul Yuruk contributed to this report from the United Nations