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QNA
Cairo
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi has underlined that the region, which is rife with political, economic and security challenges that threaten its present and future, requires collective action and solidarity to overcome these challenges.
“The dangers and challenges facing our Arab nations require all of us to show responsibility and work together to confront them, by resolving our differences based on the principle of dialogue and respect for the sovereignty and independence of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of any state, and away from focusing on division and hatred among people,” Muraikhi said at the Arab League’s 152nd ordinary session on Tuesday.
The minister said that in the midst of these challenges and dangers, “our central issue, the Palestinian issue, is facing attempts to liquidate it by circumventing its foundations and references, its constants under the pretext of mysterious deals and initiatives contrary to international legitimacy.”
Muraikhi reiterated Qatar’s firm position on the historic rights of the Palestinian people, in an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of refugees to return to their areas and any departure from these constants is a violation of international law.
He reminded that the historical, legal and human rights of the Palestinian people are not a bargaining chip, and no party has the right to waive them under any pretext.
On the humanitarian field, he said Qatar will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, as well as its support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to perform its tasks and meet the needs of Palestine refugees.
On the situation in Syria, he stressed that Qatar condemns the recent massacres committed by the Syrian regime forces in the countryside of Idlib, which have claimed the lives of children and women, and the destruction caused to many cities and villages in the region as a result of the continuous shelling, which was a clear violation of the Astana ceasefire agreement in the de-escalation zones in Idlib.
Muraikhi stressed the firm commitment to maintain Syria’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity.
“Qatar believes that the only possible solution to the Syrian crisis is a political solution based on the participation of all Syrian parties, to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people, according to the Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012, and on the basis of the resolutions and statements issued in this regard, in particular Security Council resolution 2254 of 2015,” he noted.
The minister called on all to abide by any agreement or procedure that saves blood of unarmed civilians and helps bring humanitarian aid and health services to besieged areas.
On the Yemeni issue, he said Qatar follows with great sorrow and sadness the military developments and bloody confrontations in Aden and Abyan. The war on Yemen has prolonged, and the humanitarian tragedy has deepened in a way that cannot be overlooked and the recent developments were a clear indication of the futility of this war, and the continuation of tampering with the capabilities of the Yemeni people.
He called on all parties concerned to stop the war and spare the Yemeni people further human suffering.
He stressed Qatar’s firm stance on the need to find a peaceful political solution to this crisis to maintain Yemen’s unity, independence and territorial integrity. He stressed Qatar calls upon the international community to assist the brotherly people of Yemen to overcome these circumstances, which “we hope will soon end, and to take all measures to address the grave humanitarian situation and facilitate humanitarian access to all areas.”
Muraikhi said Qatar continues to abide by its humanitarian and moral duty to provide various types of support and humanitarian assistance.
“I would like to refer to the announcement by the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018, to allocate $70 million for Yemen as well as the announcement in February 2019 of the support of the United Nations humanitarian response plan in Yemen amounting to $27 million in addition to the total assistance that the State of Qatar has been providing in recent years, which amounted to more than $600 million,” he noted.
On Libya, he reiterated Qatar’s support for the UN mission’s efforts to find a solution to restore legitimacy, and called on all parties to stop any military actions that might hinder the political process.
He urged the regional powers and the international community to work to stop the bloodshed and the search for a peaceful solution, while warning that interference in Libyan affairs further complicates the crisis.
“It is regrettable that this council has not yet been able to meet the request of the legitimate government in Libya to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the explosive situation there and its serious repercussions on its unity,” he added.
The minister said Qatar reaffirms its support for the Skhirat Agreement in the Kingdom of Morocco, signed in December 2015 and all its outcomes, and to support the internationally-recognized government to achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people to restore security and stability.
Regarding the developments in Sudan, he congratulated Sudan and the Sudanese people on signing the constitutional document and the formation of the new government headed by Dr Abdullah Hamdok. He reiterated Qatar’s firm stance in support of the unity, stability and sovereignty of Sudan.
On Somalia, Muraikhi said Qatar reaffirms respect for the sovereignty, unity, political independence and territorial integrity of Somalia, and its continued support for the government of Somalia and the brotherly Somali people.
“Qatar calls for the full implementation of the resolutions of the League of Arab States in support of Somalia, both at the summit and ministerial levels, to realise their hopes and aspirations and ensure a prosperous future for coming generations,” he added.
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11/09/2019
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