Trump Doesn’t Have Rights of Golan’s Recognizing: Erdogan

Istanbul, MINA – Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said United States (US) President, Donald Trump had no right to recognize the Golan Heights in Syria as an Israeli territory.

“You have no such jurisdiction or rights (recognizing Israel’s Golan),” Erdogan said while speaking at an election rally in Istanbul on Tuesday night, quoted by the Anadolu Agency website.

Earlier on Monday, Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to come to White House, US and signed a proclamation declaring Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

In response, Erdogan stressed that Trump’s steps were not recognized by the European Union, Russia, China and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Because, the Golan Heights fully belong to Syria in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution.

“Speaking the truth with courage is our duty,” Erdogan said.

Israel began occupying the Golan Heights around two-thirds after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1981, Israel officially annexed the region. The action was opposed by decision of the UN Security Council.

Officially, the United Nations says, the Golan Heights are still considered “occupied territories” under international law, despite Trump’s announcement. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)