Syria ally Iran ‘shocked’ at Trump Golan decision

Tehran, March 22 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed shock on Friday at US President Donald Trump’s acceptance of Israeli sovereignty over Syria’s Golan Heights.

“All shocked by @realDonaldTrump continuing to try to give what is not his to racist Israel: first Al-Quds & now Golan” Zarif tweeted from Istanbul where he was attending an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Trump said on Thursday the United States should acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the hotly contested Golan Heights. “After 52 years, it is time for the United States to fully recognise Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” Trump said in a tweet. In 2017, Trump also went against decades of practice in recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem, called Al-Quds by the Muslims, as Israel’s capital, rather than the previously accepted Tel Aviv.

Iran has been a key ally of the Syrian government during the devastating civil war that erupted in 2011 and a key player with Russia and Turkey in efforts to bring it to an end. — AFP/Agencies

Gulf Arab regional group regrets us prez call 

DUBAI: The Gulf Cooperation Council regional group of six Arab monarchies expressed regret on Friday at U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. “Statements by the American President undermine the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace.”said Abdul Latif Al Zayani, secretary general, GCC.

Damascus vows to get it back

BEIRUT: The Syrian government vowed to recover the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights as its allies and enemies alike condemned US President Donald Trump on Friday for moving to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the territory seized in war.

Dramatic shift in US policy

Trump’s statement marked a dramatic shift in the US policy over the status of a disputed area that Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East conflict and annexed in 1981 - a move not recognised internationally.

‘Israeli sovereignty breaks int’l law’

Paris: France does not recognise the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights and its recognition — as called for by US President Donald Trump — is contrary to international law, its foreign ministry said on Friday.

After 52 years, it is time for the United States to fully recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights — Donald Trump, us president