24-9-2023 (NEW YORK) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the United States for its perceived double standards regarding the Golan Heights and the Donbass region in Ukraine. Lavrov’s remarks were in response to comments made by US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who had emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Lavrov pointed out the apparent contradiction in the US stance, recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights while advocating for the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the significance of the Donbass region to Russia’s security, stating that as long as Ukrainian President Zelensky remains in power and NATO maintains a presence in Ukraine, these factors, along with pro-NATO militia groups, pose a significant security threat to Russia.
The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that controlling the Donbass region is crucial for Russia’s security under the current circumstances. However, he also noted that legal considerations could be reassessed if the situation in Ukraine were to change.
Lavrov read an excerpt from an interview with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where Blinken acknowledged the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security. Blinken cited the presence of Syrian President Assad, Iranian influence in Syria, and Iran-backed militia groups as significant security threats to Israel. He stated that the control of the Golan Heights remains crucial for Israel’s security, while also acknowledging the existence of legal questions surrounding the issue.
In response to these statements, Lavrov concluded that the U.S. has demonstrated double standards in its approach. He highlighted the contradiction between the U.S. advocating for the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity while recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s recent remarks on upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, were also mentioned. During a press briefing on September 14 regarding the UN General Assembly, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated her country’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, emphasizing that their stance has not changed.
In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory captured by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981. However, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 497 immediately after the annexation, declaring it null and void with no international legal effect.
