H. E. Mr. Nabil Fahmy to Colombia’s W Radio: Golan is occupied Syrian territory, recognition of annexation does not alter its legal status

Against the backdrop of the Colombian Government’s decision to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan, H. E. Mr. Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, gave an interview to Colombia’s W Radio, during which he stated that the League’s position is grounded in well-established principles of international law, foremost among them the prohibition of acquiring the territory of another State by force.

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Against the backdrop of the Colombian Government’s decision to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan, H E Mr Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, gave an interview to Colombia’s W Radio, during which he stated that the League’s position is grounded in well-established principles of international law, foremost among them the prohibition of acquiring the territory of another State by force.

The Secretary-General affirmed that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory and that political recognition cannot create sovereignty or have any legal effect that alters its status. He emphasised that sovereignty over territory cannot be acquired through occupation or established by the political position of any State, as affirmed by United Nations Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 497. He added that security considerations cannot provide a legal basis for the annexation of another State’s territory, warning that acceptance of such an approach would entrench force as an alternative to law and open the door to dangerous precedents.

In a message to the Colombian leadership, Mr. Fahmy stressed that the League of Arab States is not asking Colombia to take sides in favour of the Arab position, but rather to uphold the Charter of the United Nations and the principles that have long guided its diplomacy, foremost among them the prohibition against altering borders by force. He expressed hope that the Colombian Government would reverse its decision and rectify its position, and refrain from taking any practical steps that could entrench recognition of the annexation.

The Secretary-General underscored the League of Arab States' commitment to the historic relations between the Arab States and Colombia.

He stressed that the disagreement concerns a specific political decision and does not affect the League’s esteem for the Colombian people, adding that the door to dialogue remains open.

Respect for international law and consistency in its application, he noted, are indispensable foundations for maintaining trust among States and strengthening their relations.