Iraq condemns Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected and condemned Colombia's decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the ministry said. The ministry said the move contradicts United Nations principles and threatens the rules of the international order, and stressed that the legal status of the Golan will not change under international law. Baghdad described the Golan as occupied Syrian territory and said any attempt to legitimize areas under military occupation runs counter to UN principles. The Foreign Ministry added that the decision carries no legal binding force and reiterated Iraq's unchanged position against the occupation of Arab lands. The ministry also confirmed its support for the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory. The United Nations has regarded the Golan Heights as Syrian land under Israeli occupation since the 1967 war and does not recognize Israel's 1981 annexation decision. The Colombian decision has also drawn rejection across the Arab world, with critics saying it violates international resolutions concerning occupied territory.