STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ON UNITED STATES’ RECOGNITION OF ISRAEL’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN HEIGHTS

 

Malaysia strongly condemns the proclamation by US President Donald J. Trump to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Golan Heights is an indivisible part of Syria and will always be.

 

Malaysia finds it unacceptable that the US would recognize the forced and illegal occupation of a land that belongs to a sovereign country. Such thoughtless and provocative act is nothing but hypocrisy at its worst. It has completely invalidated the US’ own argument on Crimea. Quoting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s Crimea Declaration, “no country can change the borders of another country by force”. It proves that the US “has acted in a manner unworthy of a great nation and has chosen to isolate itself from the international community”.

 

This is nothing more than an act of pandering to the interest of a hostile party that has shown no interest in finding a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict. It demonstrates the US’ total disregard for international law. It ignores the reality on the ground and fuels tension in the region.

 

Malaysia calls on the US to respect and uphold its responsibilities under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 497. Israel must be made to withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Malaysia reiterates its unwavering position on occupied Syrian Golan Heights — Golan Heights is Syria’s and must be returned to Syria.

 

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PUTRAJAYA

  

27 MARCH 2019