‘PIRATE!’ Trump CONDEMNED by Syria for recognising Golan Heights as Israeli territory

Mr Trump made the move by signing a proclamation yesterday officially granting US recognition of the contested land as Israeli during a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Syria’s foreign minister Walid Muallem said: “The US decision will affect nothing, except the isolation of the US.” Syria’s state-run news agency also said thousands of Syrians gathered in the streets in a mass protest of President Trump’s decision. In a statement, Saudi Arabia described the Golan Heights as “occupied Syrian Arab land in accordance with the relevant international resolutions”.

The statement added “attempts to impose fait accompli do not change the facts”.

Referring to the decision, it continued: “It will have significant negative effects on the peace process in the Middle East and the security and stability of the region.”

Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar raged at the decision, while the latter of the three demanded Israel end its occupation of the Golan Heights.

While Iran said Mr Trump’s decision was against international law, the Lebanese foreign ministry added that Mr Trump’s move “undermines any effort to reach a just peace”.

Joining the chorus of condemnation was Russia, with Moscow saying the move will have “negative implications from the point of view of the Middle East settlement process”.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added: “Most importantly, this is probably yet another step by Washington made in clear violation of international law. We deeply regret that.”

But Mr Trump defiantly signed the declaration anyway. He announced today: “This was a long time in the making.

“Today, aggressive acts by Iran and terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, in southern Syria continue to make the Golan Heights a potential launching ground for attacks on Israel.”

US allies Canada and Turkey also criticised Mr Trump’s move.

The Canadian foreign ministry said: “In accordance with international law, Canada does not recognise permanent Israeli control over the Golan Heights. Canada’s long-standing position remains unchanged.

“Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law.”

Turkey’s foreign minister said the US had ignored international law. The land was seized by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981.

source: express.co.uk