Int'l community says Golan Heights are Syrian occupied lands

CAIRO – 31 March 2019: The Arab League (AL), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU),the African Union (AU) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation announced their unified stance that the Golan Heights are Syrian occupied lands.

The international community's unified stance was announced at the opening session of the 30th Arab summit that kicked off on Sunday.

The two-day summit’s agenda includes 20 topics. The main ones are the developments of the Palestinian cause, the status of Syria, Yemen, and Libya, and the recent U.S. president’s decision on the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The summit is chaired by Tunisia which succeeds the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In his speech at the opening session of the summit, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi said tensions in the Middle East should come to an end, adding that stability and security in the region should be accomplished through a fair, comprehensive settlement.

Essebsi voiced his concern over Libya's turmoil as it could threaten its neighboring Tunisia, adding that his country along with Egypt and Algeria have submitted a comprehensive settlement for the conflicting parts in Libya to end their crisis.

As for Syria's crisis, Essebsi announced his rejection tothe US decision torecognizeIsraeli sovereignty over the Syrian occupied Golan Heights, saying "We affirm that the Golan Heights are occupied Arab territories in accordance with the international laws."

In his speech, the Arab League Secretary General Ahmed AbulGheit said that the Golan Heights are Syrian occupied lands, and that the two-state solution is the only option for ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres shared Abul Gheit's views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflictand affirmed the UN stance towards the Syrian lands. He also announced full support to the Iraqi people, calling for ceasefire between the conflicting parts.

The African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Fakisaid that Africa has walkeda long way to maintain its unity, assertingthat the continentprovides plenty of investment opportunities.

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)Dr. Yousef A. al-Othaimeen said that the political solution is the only way for putting an end to all conflicts in the region.

Additionally, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini announced that the European Union will not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, adding that neglecting the international community's resolutions is not a solution.

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CAIRO - 31 March 2019: The 30th Arab League Summit chaired by Tunisia which succeeds the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will kick off on Sunday in Tunis and will be attended by 13 heads of state. The summit's agenda includes 20 topics.