Oman, Kuwait condemn Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over occupied Golan Heights

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oman expressed its "condemnation of the Colombian government's decision to recognise Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan," affirming that "this decision violates international law and contradicts international legitimacy resolutions, foremost among them Security Council Resolution No. (497) of 1981."

The Sultanate reiterated its "firm position that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory," reaffirming its "support for the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic over all its territories and its unity." Muscat further called on "all states to adhere to the United Nations Charter, the provisions of international law, and the relevant international legitimacy resolutions."

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly issued a statement expressing its "condemnation and denunciation of the Government of the Republic of Colombia's recognition of the sovereignty of the Israeli occupying authorities over the occupied Syrian Golan."

Kuwait affirmed its "rejection of this step that violates international law and legitimate international resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981, which deemed the occupying power's imposition of its laws and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan null and void and without any legal effect."

Reiterating Kuwait's "steadfast position that the Syrian Golan is occupied Syrian Arab territory," the ministry declared its "rejection of any decisions aimed at entrenching the occupation or lending it legitimacy, emphasising the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law."

While underscoring its "support for the sovereignty of the sister Arab Republic of Syria, the unity of its territories, and its territorial integrity," Kuwait's Foreign Ministry renewed its "call on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, and to compel the Israeli occupation forces to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories."

The reactions come after Colombia on Tuesday recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, joining the United States as the only other country to formally recognise Israel's annexation of the territory, days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.

In a statement issued on Monday, Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken against the backdrop of continued instability in the Middle East and what it described as the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security.

"Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security, the Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as the right of that State to protect itself against external threats," the ministry said.

The ministry added that the announcement was made in accordance with a commitment reached between Colombia and Israel on August 8.

Israel seized most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and formally annexed the territory in 1981. The annexation was rejected by most of the international community.

Syria attempted to regain the Golan Heights during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war but failed to retake the territory. The two countries subsequently signed an armistice agreement in 1974. (ANI)