LOC19:14
16:14 GMT
PARIS, March 22 (KUNA) -- France does not recognize the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights, and its recognition is contrary to international law, French Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
"The Golan is a territory occupied by Israel since 1967. France does not recognize the Israeli annexation of 1981," the ministry said in a statement.
"The recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, occupied territory, would be contrary to international law, in particular the obligation for states not to recognize an illegal situation," the ministry added.
The French move came after US President Donald Trump hinted Thursday that Washington could recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan.
"After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability," Trump tweeted.
The US president made the remark just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to join him at the White House and followed weeks during which Netanyahu has pressed the US anew to recognize Syria's Golan Heights as part of Israel. (end)
mjz.mt