Syria strongly condemned on Tuesday the Colombian government's statement recognizing what it described as "Israeli sovereignty" over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, saying the position, which was reportedly based on security considerations, contradicts international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates categorically rejected Colombia's position, reaffirming that the Golan Heights are an integral part of Syrian territory, said Syria’s state news agency SANA. The ministry said the Colombian statement is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and contradicts the position of the UN Secretary-General affirming that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory, as well as the established principle prohibiting the acquisition of territory by force and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The ministry welcomed growing international support for Syria's legitimate rights over the Golan Heights, saying this reflects continued international rejection of attempts to legitimize the occupation or recognize its consequences. It stressed that the Golan Heights remain subject to the principles of international law and the relevant UN resolutions. The Syrian foreign ministry also condemned the continued Israeli attacks and incursions into Syrian territory, calling on states and international organizations to uphold their responsibilities under international law and respect UN resolutions. Syria will continue to employ diplomatic and legal means to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and established rights, and to work toward the restoration of its occupied territories, it vowed.
