Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) — Colombia has recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to recognize Israel’s claim over the Syrian territory.
The Colombian government said the decision was based on what it described as the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security and the regional instability in the Middle East.
Colombia also recognized Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats, according to a statement issued by the government.
The United States recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019, breaking with the longstanding international position that the territory, captured by Israel from Syria in 1967, remains occupied Syrian land.
The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory. UN Security Council Resolution 497 declared Israel’s 1981 decision to impose its laws and administration on the territory “null and void” under international law.