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Arab nations reject Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights
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Arab nations reject Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, reject Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, deeming it legally void.
  • The Arab League asserts that the Golan Heights remain occupied Syrian territory under international law.
  • Colombia's new government, led by Abelardo de la Espriella, justified the recognition due to regional instability and Israel's security needs, also announcing the relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem.

The Arab League, along with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, has strongly rejected the new Colombian government's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. These nations assert that the declaration holds no legal effect and that the territory will continue to be considered occupied Syrian land.

such a declaration lacks legal effect and has no value whatsoever in determining the status of the Golan or the sovereignty over it.

— Nabil FahmyThe Arab League Secretary-General on the legal standing of Colombia's recognition.

Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the Arab League, stated that Colombia's announcement is legally void and has no bearing on the Golan's status or sovereignty. He emphasized that the legal standing of the region is firmly established under international law and UN resolutions, urging the Colombian executive to retract its position. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia issued separate statements condemning the move, arguing it infringes upon the legitimate rights of Syria.

The Golan will remain occupied Syrian territory, in accordance with international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.

— Nabil FahmyReiterating the international legal status of the Golan Heights.

The Colombian government, under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just four days prior, justified its decision by citing persistent regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security. This policy shift marks a significant departure from the previous administration's stance.

infringes the legitimate and established rights of the Syrian Arab Republic in its entire territory.

— Egyptian Ministry of Foreign AffairsCondemning Colombia's move as a violation of Syrian rights.

This recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights is part of a broader rapprochement between Colombia and Israel under the new administration. It follows the resumption of diplomatic relations, which were severed in May 2024 by former President Gustavo Petro in response to the Gaza war. As part of this renewed relationship, Colombia also announced its intention to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a city considered the capital by the Jewish state.

the need for Israel to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan.

— Egyptian Ministry of Foreign AffairsStating Egypt's position on Israeli withdrawal from the Golan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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