The Golan Heights, Like Artsakh, Has Entered Israeli Territory As a Result of War: Stepan Danielyan

Political scientist Stepan Danielyan addressed President Trump's decision to recognize the Golan Heights as part of Israeli territory on his Facebook page. He wrote, among other things:

“The co-chairs of the Minsk Group are the USA, Russia, and France. The Minsk Group operates on the Helsinki principles, particularly regarding the territorial integrity and self-determination of peoples.

Trump stated that the Golan Heights should be recognized as part of Israel. The Golan, like Artsakh, has entered Israeli territory as a result of war, with one difference: there were no Jews living in the Golan before the war, unlike Artsakh where Armenians lived.

Now let’s move to the commentary; the US Secretary of State said: ‘Recognizing the Golan as part of Israel is fully in line with the situation on the ground and the facts established on the ground.’

Russia also considers the annexation of Crimea as a fact emerging from the existing situation. Russia does not recognize the fact established in the Golan, while the US does not recognize it in Crimea. Now this is a matter of trade; these facts should be sold to each other. This is a process.

Now let’s discuss the facts established in Artsakh. It is clear that the ‘principles’ depend on interpretation and interests; you sell one thing and buy another. But the given fact of interpretation is an interesting tool that can be relied upon.

The USA and Russia have deepened in their buy-sell dealings, while France also has its trade in various corners of the world. One must participate in the market. I hope that we have not finally lost our trading instinct.”