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Colombia Recognises Israel's Golan Heights Claim, Breaking Global Consensus

Colombia Recognises Israel's Golan Heights Claim, Breaking Global Consensus
Colombia recognises Israel's claim over Golan Heights, goes against decades of global consensus · wionews.com

There is a piece of land called the Golan Heights that Israel and Syria both want.

Israel captured it in a war in 1967 and later said the land belonged to Israel.

But the United Nations and most countries say the land still belongs to Syria.

A country far away called Colombia just said Israel should keep the Golan Heights.

Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced this just three days after he took office.

Only the United States, which is Israel's close ally, had said something like this before.

Israel's foreign minister said he was happy and called the new president his friend.

The United Nations secretary-general said Israel's occupation of the land is totally unacceptable.

Colombia's previous president had cut ties with Israel and stopped buying Israeli weapons.

Now the new leader wants to be friends with Israel and the United States instead.

Key facts

Country
Colombia
Territory
Golan Heights, captured from Syria in 1967
Decision announced
Monday, August 10
President
Abelardo de la Espriella (in office three days)
Other recognising nation
United States
Israel's annexation
1981 (not recognised by the United Nations)
UN position
Golan Heights remains Syrian territory; occupation 'totally unacceptable'
Predecessor policy
Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties and halted Israeli arms imports

Quotes

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar

Israel’s foreign minister who welcomed Colombia’s recognition

“"Defensible borders are essential to guarantee the continued existence of the Jewish people in our historic homeland."”
wionews.com
“"The Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory."”
wionews.com

Sources

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