Tribune News Network
Doha
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has said the Arab world faces enormous challenges and imminent threats in light of the conflicts that have displaced millions of people who need urgent assistance to cope with the harsh daily conditions, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From this standpoint, we must redouble joint Arab action, set frameworks for collective security and fruitful cooperation in the interest of our people, adhere to the unity of our position, strengthen our cohesion to address all challenges and threats facing our region in all fields,” Sheikh Mohammed said during the 155th regular session of the League of Arab States Council at the ministerial level in Cairo on Wednesday.
“We reiterate our appreciation for the Al-Ula Summit statement, which ended the Gulf crisis that lasted more than the years,” he said, adding that Qatar welcomed this statement based on its firm conviction that dialogue is the only way to resolve differences.
He said, “There is no doubt that ending of the crisis and implementing the Al-Ula statement will reflect positively on strengthening Gulf and Arab relations and consolidating stability in the region.”
He said Qatar appreciates the mediation efforts of late Amir of Kuwait HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, may God have mercy on him, which was completed by His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, and all friendly and brotherly countries that contributed to ending the crisis.
On the Palestine issue, the FM reiterated Qatar’s firm support for the Palestinian cause.
“We reiterate Qatar's firm and supportive position for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” he said, adding that a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue can only be achieved through commitment to a two-state solution based on international law, United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
“We reiterate the international community's call for serious work to resume the peace process, end the occupation and settlement in the occupied territories, solve the refugee issue, and force the Israeli authorities to refrain from all that undermines the two-state solution, such as attempts to annex lands, seize and destroy Palestinian property, and prejudice religious sanctities,” the FM said, adding that, “We affirm that all decisions issued by the occupying power are illegal and baseless, and do not create a legal situation on the ground, and violate international law and United Nations resolutions.”
He said Qatar will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
The FM said His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed to allocate a financial grant of $360 million to the Gaza Strip for a whole year, starting from January 2021, to pay for employees’ salaries and subsidies for needy families and managing power stations to reduce the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
“We call on everyone to continue providing assistance to the brotherly Palestinian people,” he added.
On Libya, the FM said Qatar welcomes the election of representatives of the Interim Executive Authority in Libya and hopes that this step will pave the way for a comprehensive political solution that establishes a state of law and civil institutions.
“We stress the need for all Libyan parties to adhere to the specified date for the elections and work to achieve comprehensive reconciliation to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Libyan people for security and stability,” he said.
Regarding the Syrian crisis, the FM said the suffering of the Syrian people is beyond description, as they were subjected heinous crimes that violate international law and human rights.
He called on the international community to ensure that all those responsible for these crimes are held accountable and brought to justice.
The FM said Qatar supports all efforts to reach a solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and Security Council Resolution 2254 in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserves the unity and independence of Syria.
On Yemen, the FM said Qatar stresses the necessity of preserving the unity of Yemen, achieving its security and stability, achieving national reconciliation, and returning to the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue that all components of the Yemeni people have agreed upon.
Regarding Somalia, he said Qatar expresses its concern about the recent events in the capital, Mogadishu, calling on all Somali parties to calm down and resolve all disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
