Pompeo explains difference between situations around Crimea and Golan Heights

Israel captured the Golan Heights, defending itself against the attack of Syria, while Russia annexed Crimea although Ukraine posed no threat to it, Pompeo said, DW reports.

“No situations could be more different than these,” said Pompeo regarding the difference between the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel and the annexation of Crimea by Russia, while delivering a speech at the hearings in the US Senate on April 9.

According to Pompeo, the Golan Heights became part of Israel after the country had been "attacked."

“It [Israel] defended, its existence was under threat,” the U.S. Secretary of State stressed. According to Pompeo, the seizure of the Golan Heights was necessary in order to "continue to defend" against the Syrian regime.

“Russia was not defending itself. Russia chose a moment to seize territory from the people, who did not pose any threat to it,” Pompeo explained.

On March 25, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a declaration recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The decision of the American president was condemned by the European Union, the League of Arab States, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Russia and other countries. Washington’s actions did not find support at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on this topic.

The Golan Heights or the Golan is a part of the historical area of Levant, which covers about 1,800 square meters kilometers of Israel and Syria. The Golan is a disputed territory.

In 1981, the Israeli Knesset ratified the Golan Heights Law, proclaiming the sovereignty of Israel over the area. The UN Security Council did not recognize that decision.

In accordance with the norms of international law, the annexed area of the Golan Heights remains Syrian territory occupied by Israel.

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