Egypt Stresses Golan Is Arab Territory

By Nawal Sayed

CAIRO, March 22 (SEE) – Egypt asserted that the Golan Heights is an Arab territory occupied by Israel on the basis of the international legality, most notably the UN Resolution No. 497/1981, Egypt’s foreign ministry stated on Friday.

“Cairo also called on the international community to abide by the international laws and not allowing the seizure of territories,” the statement added.

The Egyptian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the latest remarks made by U.S.’s President Donald Trump as he tweeted on Thursday that Washington has to recognize the Golan as an Israeli territory.

“After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!” Trump wrote.

The Arab League, European Union, Germany, Turkey, France, and Syrian President Al-Assad’s allies of Russia, and Iran rejected US decision, saying that such decision violates the international laws.

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abu el-Gheit said the US decision is “illegal and groundless Germany described Trump’s remarks as “unilateral steps.”

Golan Heights,  located in western south of Syria, were occupied by Israeli forces during Arab-Israel War in 1967.

Syria attempted to restore its lands in the 1973 war, but its attempt had not succeeded. However, one year later, a truce was signed between Israel and Syrian and UN peacekeeping forces were deployed in the area.

In 1981, Israel announced the annexation of Golan Heights to its lands, the move has not recognized yet by the International Community and annulled by the UN Security Council Resolution.