Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
89. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally conveyed his objection to the administration of the United States of America regarding its decision to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15079/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to action that will be taken at EU level regarding the decision of the administration of the United States of America to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15080/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
In response to the decision of the United States Government on 18 March to recognise the Golan heights as sovereign Israeli territory, I made the following public statement on the same day:
“Ireland regards the Golan Heights as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. The Government has no plans to alter that position.
Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter. This is a fundamental principle of the relation of states and the rule of law in the modern world.
Our view of the behaviour of the current Syrian government does not negate this principle.
Israeli annexation, and recognition of it, also ignore the wishes of the inhabitants of the area.”
A similar declaration was issued by the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, stating that, in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
I have raised my concerns about the US decision directly with the US administration.
