AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday condemned Colombia’s announcement recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights , saying the move violates international law and United Nations resolutions.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the Colombian decision and stressed that the Golan Heights is an integral part of Syrian territory under international law and UN Security Council Resolution 497, adopted in 1981.

 

The ministry spokesperson Fouad Majali condemned Israel’s continued attacks and incursions into Syrian territory, calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities under international law and UN resolutions.

 

He urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt “provocative and unlawful attacks against Syria and to end its occupation of Syrian territory.

 

Majali also reaffirmed Jordan’s longstanding support for Syria’s reconstruction in a manner that preserves the country’s unity, sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, while safeguarding the rights of all Syrians.

 

Colombia's newly appointed hard-right government on Monday recognised Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967, AFP reported.

 

The United States was until now the only country to recognise Israel's annexation of the territory in 1981.

 

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella took power on Friday, following a bombastic campaign during which he promised tight relations with the US and Israel as a way to combat armed groups in his own country, according to AFP.

 

"The Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State's right to protect itself against external threats," read a statement published on X.

 

"Colombia recognises that maintaining Israel's control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense," it added.

 

The United Nations maintains that the plateau is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation.

 

Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar thanked his "good friend" De la Espriella for the recognition.

 

Last month, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the Golan Heights were part of Syria, describing Israeli occupation as "totally unacceptable."

 

De la Espriella's leftist predecessor Gustavo Petro had ardently criticized Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, severing diplomatic relations and halting Israeli arms imports into Colombia.

 

Last month, he said he planned to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem -- which Israel regards as its capital, including the occupied Palestinian part.