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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |