+ A
A -
QNA
DOHA
The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Friday said Qatar is ready for dialogue to resolve a diplomatic crisis with the Saudi-led bloc, but stressed that any solution to the crisis must respect Doha's sovereignty.
"We are open to dialogue to resolve the outstanding problems. But any solution to the crisis must be based on two principles: first, the solution should be within the framework of respect for the sovereignty and will of each state. Secondly, it should not be in the form of orders by one party to another, but rather as mutual undertakings and joint commitments binding on all," the Emir said in a televised address to the nation, his first since the crisis broke out on June 5.
The Emir said the spirit of solidarity, harmony and defiance that had prevailed among the people of Qatar in the face of the unjust siege frustrated the hopes of those who banked on the opposite.
"People are amazed to see Qatari people maintaining high level of morale despite the unprecedented smear campaign," the Emir added.
"This was tantamount to a true moral test where our society has achieved great success, as we have proved that there are basic principles and norms that we observe even in times of conflict and dispute, because we respect ourselves first and foremost. I call upon all to continue this approach, and not allowing ourselves to slip into what is inappropriate for us, and for our principles and values."
"Since the onset of the blockade, the day to day life in Qatar has been normal. The Qatari people instinctively and naturally stood up to defend the sovereignty and independence of their homeland," the Emir said, adding that"all those who live in this country have become spokespersons for Qatar."
The Emir said,"We did not retaliate, and we have let the citizens of the other countries make their own decisions to stay in Qatar or depart, each according to their own circumstances and will."
The smear campaign against Qatar was premeditated. The Emir said,"It has become evident that this (smear) campaign and the steps that followed it had been planned well in advance. Its plotters and implementers carried out an attack on the sovereignty of Qatar by planting statements that had not been spoken, in order to mislead public opinion and the world and achieve predetermined goals."
The Emir said those who took these steps did not realise that the people do not accept injustice so simply, and people do not believe the deception of those who do not respect their minds.
The Emir said Arab and non-Arab countries that have a respected public opinion stood with Qatar , or at least did not stand with the siege.
The Emir said they (blockading countries) have tried to undermine two principles ” sovereignty and the independent will of states and freedom of expression and the right to information.
"Qatar has quashed the monopoly on information through the media revolution it started, and it is no longer possible to go back. This revolution has become an achievement for all the Arab peoples," the Emir added.
The Emir went on to say the crisis has driven Qatari society not only to explore its human values but also to draw on its sources of strength that lie in its unity, will power and determination.
"The government with its various ministries and state institutions, efficiently dealt with the crisis to cater to all the needs of the population. We are opening our economy to initiatives, investments, production of food, medicine and ultimately to diversify our sources of income."
The Emir said,"We are not afraid of identifying and correcting our error. This crisis has helped us identify and overcome the shortcomings and obstacles in determining Qatar's national, political, economic and independent identity."
The Emir valued Kuwait's mediation and the support of the United States, Turkey and Germany to the efforts to resolve the crisis.
The Emir thanked Turkey for"putting into force quickly a cooperation agreement signed between us and meeting our basic needs".
The Emir said,"Qatar stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, especially people in Al Quds (Jerusalem) and condemns the closure of the Al Aqsa Mosque."
Full speech on page 16 f1'eef0
