Colombia recognises Israeli claim over the Golan Heights

BOGOTA: Colombia's newly appointed hard-right government on Monday (Aug 10) recognised Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967.The United States was until now the only country to recognise Israel's annexation of the territory in 1981.Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella took power on Friday, following a bombastic campaign during which he promised tight relations with the US and Israel as a way to combat armed groups in his own country.His foreign ministry announced recognition of Israel's claim on the same day that a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more. "The Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State's right to protect itself agains