UN denounced US for giving recognition to Golan
US has come under strong criticism from 14 other nations of United Nations due to its decision about recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territory of Golan Heights in a typical disregard of international law.
The members of the Security Council had met on the request of Syria which had called on the Council to discuss the situation which is building up in the area. President Donald Trump had passed a proclamation under which he ratified and recognised the territorial annexation of Golan Heights by Israel, which had taken place in 1981. Many members of the Council supported the claim of Syria over Golan Heights and were completely opposed to Israel’s annexation.
South Africa’s UN Ambassador stated , “This unilateral action does nothing to assist in finding a long-term peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle-East”.Russia which has been a close ally of Syria has also asked other governments to consider Golan Heights as an Israeli-occupied territory only. Vladimir Safronkov, the Deputy Ambassador of Russia had stated, “If anybody feels any temptation to follow this poor example, we would urge them to refrain from this aggressive revision of international law”.
French government has said that any attempt to turn away from international law is all set to fail, as US prepares to present its peace proposals for Middle East.
Three resolutions of the Security Council have urged Israel to pull-out from the Golan Heights, which it has annexed from Syria in the 1967 War which had lasted for 6 days. The latter move never received any recognition from the international community.
US on the other hand, defended its decision stating that the recognition has fostered Israel’s security and will also help in restoring stability in the region. The decision will also keep both Syria and Iran under check. US Diplomat Rodney Hunter further added that by allowing Golan Heights to be controlled by Syria meant ignoring the threats coming from Damascus and also from Iran and its allies Hezbollah, which want to make use of the territory for launching an attack on Israel.
President Trump’s proclamation on Golan Heights giving it recognition as territory of Israel has given rise to questions about the mandate of UN peacekeeping force which expires on June 30.
