11.08.2026 21:31
The pro-Israeli government in Colombia has decided to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights. Syria, Egypt, and Qatar strongly condemned the decision, emphasizing that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and that Colombia's decision has no validity under international law.
The Israeli-backed government led by Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office after winning the election in the South American country of Colombia, has decided to recognize the Golan Heights, which Israel occupies in Syria, as Israeli territory.
SYRIA: THE GOLAN HEIGHTS ARE AN INSEPARABLE PART OF SYRIAN TERRITORY
Following this decision, Syria announced that the step violates international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions.
In a written statement from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that the decision published by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 10, which recognizes the so-called "Israeli sovereignty" over the occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights, was condemned in the strongest terms.
The statement emphasized that the Golan Heights are an inseparable part of Syrian territory, expressing that Colombia's stance is contrary to the UN Charter, the statements of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the principle that "territory cannot be acquired by force," and UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981.
The statement also condemned Israel's continued attacks and violations against Syrian territory, calling on states and international organizations to "fulfill their responsibilities to comply with international law and UN resolutions."
The statement further noted that Syria will continue to use legitimate diplomatic and legal means to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and rights.
EGYPT AND QATAR ALSO CONDEMNED COLOMBIA
In a written statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a reaction was also expressed to the decision published by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 10, recognizing the so-called Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights.
In the statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Colombia's decision, it was stated that this decision, which is contrary to the rules of international law and relevant international legitimacy, was categorically rejected, emphasizing that Israel "must withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights."
The statement stressed Egypt's "strong support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and its right over the occupied Golan Heights," noting that Colombia's decision "has no legal effect and does not change the legal status."
"THE DECISION IS INVALID AND HAS NO LEGAL EFFECT"
In a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was assessed that Colombia's decision regarding the occupied Golan Heights aids Israel's disregard for the 1981 UN Security Council resolution.
The statement noted that Colombia's decision "will not change the fact that the Golan Heights is an occupied Arab territory," using the expressions: "The application of Israeli laws, jurisdiction, and administration to the Golan Heights is invalid and has no legal effect."
The statement emphasized that Israel must withdraw from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights, and comply with international law decisions, stating that unilateral decisions to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights "will constitute a major obstacle to peace in the region."