Colombia recognises Israeli claim over the Golan Heights

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BOGOTA: Colombia's newly appointed hard-right government on Monday (Aug 10) recognised Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967.

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.

His foreign ministry announced recognition of Israel's claim on the same day that a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more.

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"The Government of Colombia recognises 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 defence," 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.

The pair had agreed on the move in the Colombian city of Barranquilla, he said, one day before De la Espriella's inauguration.

"Defensible borders are essential to guarantee the continued existence of the Jewish people in our historic homeland," Saar, who attended the swearing-in, posted on X.

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 criticised Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, severing diplomatic relations and halting Israeli arms imports into Colombia.

The US-backed millionaire now in office has promised to restore ties.

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

This is not recognised internationally, however, and most countries conduct their diplomatic missions from Tel Aviv.

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