SIR NICHOLAS SOAMES’S QUESTION ON THE GOLAN HEIGHTS

2nd April 2019

Sir Nicholas’s Question to the Foreign Secretary on the United States support, contrary to UNSC 497, for Israel’s sovereignty claim to the Golan Heights. House of Commons, Tuesday, 2nd April, 2019

 

Is it not a matter of the greatest regret that our most important ally, the United States, is in clear contravention of United Nations Security Council resolution 497 by recognising Israeli sovereignty claims over Golan? As annexation of territory is prohibited under international law, will the Foreign Secretary send a very strong message to the United States that the British House of Commons condemns unreservedly this breach of the rules-based order?

I am happy to do that. My right hon. Friend is absolutely right—we should never recognise the annexation of territory by force. That has been one of the great achievements since the founding of the United Nations. I do that with a very heavy heart, because Israel is an ally and a shining example of democracy in a part of the world where that is not common. We want Israel to be a success, and we consider it to be a great friend, but on this we do not agree.

Hansard
Vol. 657
No. 282
Col. 917-8

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