US envoy Tom Barrack retracts comment that Syria’s Golan is occupied
US Ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, has retracted a previous statement suggesting Syria's Golan Heights is occupied territory. Barrack clarified on Sunday that the United States policy, established by President Trump in 2019, recognizing Israel's claimed sovereignty over the Golan remains unchanged.
The story so far
- Aug 23
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Open questions and key claims
Envoy's initial comments stated Israel 'still' occupies Golan Heights in violation of UN resolutions.
US special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey walked back comments on Golan Heights.
US policy on the Golan was set by President Trump in 2019 and is unchanged.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defended recent strikes on a Syrian airbase.
In 2019, Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, reversing decades of US policy.
Envoy's comments contradicted US President Donald Trump's position on the Golan Heights.
Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981.
No country recognized the Golan as part of Israel until Trump backed the Israeli claim.
Who and where
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- Aug 23◆ This story