Arab foreign ministers on Friday condemned last week’s decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory as they stressed that the move violated all international conventions and norms.
At a meeting of Arab foreign ministers on the day before Tunisia hosts the annual Arab League summit, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit said: “the Golan is an occupied Arab Syrian land as per the international law and the UN Security Council resolutions. “Trying to grant legitimacy to the occupation is a mistake and violation of the principles of justice.”
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim al-Assaf rejected US recognition of Israel’s ownership of the Golan Heights.
Al-Assaf warned that the announcement “will have dire consequences for peace in the Middle East.” He said that the Golan Heights is an occupied Arab Syrian land as per the relevant international resolutions as he stressed that President Trump’s announcement constituted a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.
Tunisia is hosting the 30th Arab Summit on Sunday which will bring together 20 heads of state. Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui said that his country would coordinate with fellow Arab countries to contain any fallout from the US decision.
President Trump’s decision has sparked Arab and international outcry as many statements were issued to condemn the move and warn of its serious repercussions for the region.
The Syrian Coalition said that the attempts by US President Donald Trump to grant legitimacy to the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights “constitutes a violation of international law and consolidation of the law of the jungle.”
On Monday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed President Trump’s move as it said that “the decision by the Trump administration to deny the reality of Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights would demonstrate disregard for the protections due to the Syrian population under international humanitarian law.” (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
