Russia questions 'Israel's' territorial claims in Golan Heights
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Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, expresses concerns about contradictory statements from "Israel" regarding the status of the Golan Heights.
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United Nations personnel stand at a lookout point as they monitor the border in the Golan Heights, on January 21, 2019. (AFP)
Russia has observed contradictory statements from "Israel" regarding the status of the Golan Heights and is unclear about which part of the territory "Israel" considers its own, according to Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia.
"We hear conflicting messages coming from Israel," Nebenzia told reporters.
He noted that the Israeli ambassador had sent a letter describing recent decisions as temporary measures due to the "vacuum" in the area. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later referred to the Golan Heights as an "integral part of Israel" during a press conference. Nebenzia added, "But now we don't know what part of the Golan Heights he considers to be an integral part of Israel, with them violating the buffer zone."
The United Nations Security Council showed general agreement on the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, protecting civilians, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia.
"And the council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, to ensure the protection of civilians, to ensure that humanitarian aid is coming to the needed population," Nebenzia told reporters. He described the UN Security Council consultations on Syria as positive.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Russian official noted that the recent events in Syria had taken everyone, including members of the UN Security Council, by surprise. He emphasized the need for patience, observation, and careful evaluation as the situation unfolds.
Nebenzia also mentioned that the UN Security Council discussed drafting a document addressing the developments in Syria, with its potential publication expected in the coming days.
"We were talking about the need to work out a document by the Council, not today. I mean, nobody was ready for that today, but I think in the coming days, very hopefully sooner rather than later, we will see one," he stated.
Netanyahu says occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli 'for eternity'
The occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli "for eternity," said Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech on Monday after 60 years of confrontations with Syria under the leadership of now-ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his father, former President Hafez al-Assad.
Speaking in occupied al-Quds, Netanyahu thanked US President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing "Israel's" 1981 "annexation" of the territory during his first term of presidency and stated that "the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity."
Netanyahu further underscored that Israeli occupation forces' control of the high ground "ensures our security and sovereignty."
"Israel's" actions are considered "a violation" of the 1974 "disengagement agreement" between "Israel" and Syria according to both the United Nations and all countries neighboring occupied Palestine.
Read more: 'Israel' strikes over 150 Syrian military targets after fall of Assad
