Syria slams Colombia for recognizing Israeli 'sovereignty' in Golan

Syria has lodged a formal protest against Colombia's recent recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. State media reported that Syria dispatched letters to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, conveying its strong condemnation and categorical rejection of Colombia's stance.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the letters detailed Syria's protest, emphasizing that Colombia's recognition of "Israeli sovereignty" over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is unacceptable. This action follows Colombia's announcement on Monday, where its Foreign Ministry cited regional instability and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security as reasons for its decision. This makes Colombia the second country, after the United States in 2019, to acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Syria's Foreign Ministry had previously rejected and condemned Colombia's decision, asserting that it was based on security justifications inconsistent with international law. Damascus argued that Colombia's position contradicts statements by UN chief Antonio Guterres, who affirms that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and are unequivocally recognized as such by the UN. Syria also stated that the decision violates the principle prohibiting the acquisition of territory by force and UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981.

The European Union also reiterated its position, stating that in line with international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 497, it does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The EU urged Israel to respect the demilitarized buffer zone, comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and support the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). The bloc called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further violence, while supporting diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.