The occupied Syrian Golan Heights are Arab Syrian territory, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced the Government of the Republic of Colombia for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the region.
SPA reported that the Ministry described the move as contrary to international law and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy. The Kingdom stated that this recognition explicitly contravenes United Nations resolutions, specifically United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 497 from 1981, which declared Israel’s imposition of its laws, jurisdiction, and administration over the area null and void with no legal effect.
The Ministry stressed that such positions diverge from the long-standing international stance and reinforce the logic of imposing faits accomplis, which undermines efforts to achieve peace in the region. The Kingdom reiterated that decisions seeking to alter the legal status of the territory do not establish rights or confer legitimacy.
The Government of the Republic of Colombia was called upon to reconsider its position and adhere to international law to contribute to security, stability, and a just and lasting peace in the region.
Why did Saudi Arabia condemn Colombia’s position on the Golan Heights? Saudi Arabia condemned the Government of the Republic of Colombia because it recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The Kingdom described this move as contrary to international law and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, stating that such positions do not contribute to achieving peace but instead reinforce the logic of imposing faits accomplis.
Which United Nations resolution does the Kingdom cite regarding the Golan Heights? The Kingdom cited United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 497, issued in 1981. This specific resolution deemed the imposition of Israeli laws, jurisdiction, and administration over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights to be null and void, meaning these actions have no legal effect according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What is the official Saudi position on the legal status of the Golan Heights? The Kingdom maintains a steadfast position that the Golan Heights are occupied Arab Syrian territory. It asserts that any measures or decisions intended to alter the legal status of this territory do not confer legitimacy upon such actions nor do they establish any legal rights.