UAE reiterates Syrian sovereignty over Golan Heights

The United Arab Emirates has reiterated the right of the Syrian people for sovereignty over the Golan Heights and denounced the recent Israeli claim that it will remain in their hands forever.

Addressing the emergency meeting of the Arab League's Council, held here today at the permanent representatives’ level, the UAE's Charge d'affaires in Cairo, Khalifa Saif Al Tenaiji said, "We gather here today to discuss another violation by Israel which continues its arrogant policy in the face of all international and Arab resolutions related to Middle East peace process."

During the meeting, chaired by Bahrain and attended by Arab League's Secretary-General, Nabil Al Araby, Al Tenaiji called on the international community to pressure Israel into withdrawing from all occupied Arab territories, in implementation of the Security Council's resolutions 242 of 1067, 338 of 1973, and the resolution 497 which was adopted unanimously on 17th December 1981, demanding that Israel rescind its decision to acquire the Golan Heights as a fait accompli.

He referred to Israel's continuous escalation and crimes against the unarmed Palestinian people and its violation of the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic and Christian sacred places.

"The Israeli acts represent a flagrant violation of the principles of international laws and conventions and international legitimacy, including the Security Council and the UN General Assembly resolutions. They also run in contravention of the UN Charter which clearly states that no State has the right to exercise permanent sovereignty over any part of another state's territories.

Bahrain's Representative Sheikh Rashid bin Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa, who presided over the meeting, emphasised the importance of the meeting and described the Israeli move as, "a provocative step which is poised to threaten the security of the Arab countries and the entire Middle East region, and an attempt to exploit the current situation in the region."