Trump signs order recognizing Golan Heights as Israeli landMarch 26, 2019 - 10:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - United States President Donald Trump has officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, in a move hailed as "historic" by Israel's prime minister, the BBC reports. Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an election next month, was by Trump's side as he signed the proclamation. Syria said Trump's decision was "a blatant attack on its sovereignty". Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, in a move that is not recognized internationally. A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday, March 25 he was "clear that the status of Golan has not changed". For decades, Washington took the same line as the UN, but last week Trump announced his plan to overturn decades of US policy in a tweet. In response, Syria has vowed to recover the area "through all available means". But Netanyahu told reporters gathered in Washington on Monday that Israel "shall never give it up". "Your proclamation comes at a time when Golan is more important than ever for our security," he said, citing threats from Iranian forces in Syria. It is, he added, "a two-fold act of historic justice". Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |