Saudi Arabia condemns Colombia’s recognition of Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Colombia’s move to recognize Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rejection and condemnation of the recognition by the government of the Republic of Colombia of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights,” a statement read, calling the move a “step that is in conflict with international law and legitimate international decisions.”
It stressed that the decision violated the “explicitness of legitimate UN laws,” pointing to the Security Council’s decision number 497 from the year 1981 which declares Israel’s decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the Golan Heights illegitimate.
“The Kingdom stresses that stances like these do not contribute to the achievement of peace but rather present a departure from the firm international stance toward the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, lay the foundation for the logic of imposing the fait accompli, and contribute to the destruction of the efforts made for the achievement of peace in the region,” it said.
The statement further reiterated Riyadh’s position that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian land, that measures or decisions to change their legal status “do not create truth or add legitimacy to these measures,” calling on Colombia to review its decision and be committed to “international law and legitimate international decisions,” and continue to participate in supporting efforts made to achieve “security, stability and lasting just peace” in the region.
Colombia’s newly appointed right-wing government under the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella on Monday recognized Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights, making Colombia only the second country in addition to the US to formally legitimize Israel’s claim to the rocky terrain.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during its victory in the Six-Day War in 1967 and has since occupied them. It went on to annex the territory in 1981.
