Maldives Condemns Israeli Plan to Expand Borders in Syrian Golan

Maldives on Monday, condemned the decision by the Israeli government to approve the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs in a statement said the Israeli government’s decision marks a blatant violation of international law, relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and further undermines ongoing efforts towards peace in the region.
“The Government of Maldives calls upon the international community to take immediate and decisive action to compel Israel to cease its illegal settlement activities, end its aggression on Syrian territories. Further, noting that the Syrian Golan has been occupied since 1967, urge Israel to adhere to the relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 497 (1981),” the statement said.

The Ministry also reiterated its firm and principled position in support of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity adding that the Maldives government supports all regional and international efforts aimed at restoring peace, security, and stability in Syria, while ensuring the aspirations of its people are realized.

Maldives’ condemnation came after Israel’s government on Sunday approved a plan to double the population of the annexed Golan Heights, just days after its troops seized a UN-monitored buffer zone bordering Syria as rebel forces moved on Damascus.

The Golan Heights is a mountainous plateau at Syria’s southwestern edge, most of which was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed.

It is separated from the Syrian side by the UN-patrolled buffer zone.