UN official condemns Colombia’s recognition of Israeli Golan sovereignty
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A senior UN official for Syria on Tuesday condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, saying the move contravenes international law.
Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, said the Golan Heights remain occupied Syrian territory, echoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ position during his recent visit to Damascus.
“As most recently reaffirmed by Secretary-General António Guterres in Damascus, the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian territory,” Cordone said in a statement. “Colombia’s acceptance of Israel’s annexation of this territory directly contravenes international law.”
on Aug. 10, Colombia announced that it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to formally recognize Israel’s claim over the territory captured from Syria in the 1967 war. Bogotá cited regional instability and the Golan’s strategic importance to Israel’s security as grounds for the decision.
The announcement was made shortly after the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged to strengthen relations with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Colombia’s decision on Tuesday. In a video posted on X, Netanyahu said, “The Israeli flag flies here and will continue to fly here, because this is our land,” while pointing to a map of the Golan Heights. He also invoked the Israeli slogan “The people are with the Golan.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also described Colombia’s decision as “historic” and said he would work to encourage other countries to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan.
Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 war and extended its laws to the territory in 1981, a move widely regarded internationally as annexation.
The United Nations does not recognize the annexation. Security Council Resolution 497, adopted in 1981, declared Israel’s decision to impose its laws and administration on the Golan “null and void and without international legal effect.”
Syria, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have condemned Colombia’s decision. Damascus said the recognition violates international law and relevant UN resolutions, while Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian Arab territory.