+ A
A -
QNA
New York
The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani called the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar by the Saudi Arabia-led bloc in June a treachery at the United Nations on Tuesday.
"The blockade was imposed abruptly and without warning, prompting Qataris to consider it as a kind of treachery," the Emir said in a speech at the opening session of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
"I stand here while my country and my people are subjected to a continuing and unjust blockade imposed since June 5 by the neighbouring countries. The blockade involves all aspects of life, including ripping off family ties."
The Emir said,"It seems that those who planned and implemented it had envisaged that their move would cause a shocking and direct impact that will bring Qatar to its knees and to capitulate it to a total tutelage to be imposed on it."
"Despite the blockade, Qatar is successfully managing its living, economy, development plans and its outreach to the outside world, with the availability of sea and air routes which these countries have no control over."
The Emir said,"The blockade planners found it necessary to rely on fabricated quotes attributed to me and posted on the website of Qatar News Agency after hacking it. The mobilised and guided media of these countries was ready to launch an all-out campaign of incitement prepared in advance."
"Despite the disclosure of the hacking and falsification of quotes of the Emir of a sovereign state, the blockading countries did not back down or apologise for lying, but rather intensified their campaign."
The Emir said,"This disgraceful act has once again raised international queries about digital security, cybercrime and electronic piracy. It is time now to take steps in this regard, and we are ready to serve a joint effort in this connection."
The Emir said,"The countries imposing the blockade on Qatar have intervened in the internal affairs of the state to destabilise a sovereign country. Isn't this one of the definitions of terrorism?"
"The blockading countries interfere in the internal affairs of many countries, and accuse all those who oppose them domestically and abroad of terrorism. By doing so, they are inflicting damage on the war on terror," the Emir added.
The Emir said,"We were not alone to be taken by surprise by the imposition of the blockade. Many countries whose leaders have questioned its motives were also taken by surprise. Everyone is still waiting for evidence that did not and will not arrive, because it does not exist. In contrast, these allegations contradict a lot of evidence about Qatar's contribution to the fight against terrorism, which is recognised by the entire international community."
Qatar has fought terrorism - the whole international community bears witness to that - and it is still fighting it and will continue to do that.
"We have refused to yield to dictations by pressure and siege. At the same time, we have taken an open attitude towards dialogue without dictation, and have expressed our readiness to resolve differences through compromises based on common undertakings. Resolving conflicts by peaceful means is actually one of the priorities of our foreign policy. From here, I renew the call for an unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty."
The Emir said,"I highly value the mediation efforts of Kuwait's Emir HH Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah. I also thank all the countries that have supported this mediation."
The Emir said,"Allow me to express my pride in my Qatari people, along with the multinational and multicultural residents in Qatar. The people have withstood the siege, and rejected the dictations with resolve and pride, and insisted on the independence of Qatar's sovereign decision, and strengthened its unity and solidarity. They maintained their refined manners and progress despite the campaign against them and their country."
