Parliament censures US over Golan

Parliament on Friday approved a resolution censuring the US recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and called on America to rescind its decision and Israel to withdraw from the territory.

The resolution, submitted by main opposition Akel, was approved with 32 votes in favour and 16 abstentions – all ruling Disy MPs.

According to the resolution, parliament affirmed its full respect to the sovereignty of the Syrian Arabic Republic over the Golan Heights and urged the government to oppose the move.

The resolution also highlighted the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, as well as decisions and UN resolutions.

The move, parliament said, constitutes continuation of the illegal recognition by the US of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocation of its embassy.

“The position of the EU as regards the situation at the Golan Heights remains the same and according to international law and resolutions 242 and 497 of the UN Security Council, the EU does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the heights,” the resolution said.

Israel captured Golan from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and formally annexed it with the Golan Heights Law in 1981, in a move that was not internationally recognised.

In December 2017, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the US embassy to the city, despite the international community viewing East Jerusalem as under Israeli military occupation.

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