Golan Heights Israeli territory, says Trump
Published on: Saturday, March 23, 2019
By: AFP
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said the United States should acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the hotly-contested Golan Heights, in what amounted to a major pre-election gift for his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.“After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” Trump said in a tweet.
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The Syrian government denounced his comments, saying they flagrantly disregarded international law.
“The American position towards Syria’s occupied Golan Heights clearly reflects the United States’ contempt for international legitimacy and its flagrant violation of international law,” a foreign ministry source told the official SANA news agency.
The source said Trump’s comments showed the extent of his administration’s bias towards Israel.
They “once again confirmed the United State’s blind bias in favour of the Zionist occupation forces and its unlimited support for their aggressive actions.”
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The source accused the US of stoking tensions and threatening international stability, and urged members of the international community to stand against such positions and act in accordance with international law.
Trump called the Golan—a strategic area seized from Syria and annexed in a move never recognized by the international community—“of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!”About 20,000 Israeli settlers live in the Golan, which overlooks Syrian territory.
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Trump’s abrupt announcement was immediately cheered by Netanyahu, who faces a tough reelection battle and visits Washington next week.
“At a time when Iran seeks to use Syria as a platform to destroy Israel, President Trump boldly recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” the right-wing prime minister wrote on Twitter. “Thank you President Trump!”
There was also quick approval from the senior Republican in the US Senate, Lindsey Graham, who is pushing for Congress to recognize Israeli control over the Golan.
“President Trump’s decision to recognize the Golan as part of Israel is strategically wise and overall awesome. Well done, Mr. President!” Graham tweeted.
Trump’s announcement coincided with a visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Jerusalem, where he became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall alongside an Israeli prime minister—another boost for Netanyahu.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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