Qatari Ambassador to Italy: The State of Qatar Remains Stronger than Ever
Doha / Information Office / November 05
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Italian Republic , Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki , said that after several months of the siege, the state of Qatar remains stronger than ever before, and able to develop its international relations and stand on the world stage to protects its interests.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Nueva Sardegna , he said that "The State of Qatar since the beginning of the crisis has ready for dialogue with the siege countries, on condition that its sovereignty is not to be compromised."
In response to a question about the repercussions of the siege on life in Qatar, HE the Ambassador pointed out that twenty thousand families have been affected by this siege, only because one of its members is Qatari.
He noted that food security in the country has been ensured quickly, explaining that "we have imports from other countries in the region, but, with the closure of borders, as well as the suspension of flights and the freezing of political contacts and business, many families have been affected."
"We are working for this, too, so that the siege can be lifted and we can improve the status of the 20,000 families, consisting of Qataris and citizens of other members of the Arab States who have been affected by these measures," He added .
HE the ambassador said that the crisis was as a result of some fabricated statements attributed to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and it was published on the website of Qatar News Agency.
"We asked for assistance of the FBI to find out who did this hacking, and we are waiting for results of this investigation so that our police will pass it to the Attorney General," he said adding that it was a provocation to start a plot that had been set up with the aim of besieging Qatar. "Our reaction has been the same and that is to clarify the truth of things to the world," he said.
HE the Ambassador, explained that "There is growing awareness in the world about Qatar's positon, and many recognize the fact that our country is facing the crisis with wisdom and maturity, thanks to the directions of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani ."
"This is a crisis that has been fabricated by the siege countries without evidence against us, and also without a real political reason , other than the desire to limit the freedom of our political movement," he added.
He went on saying that the Italian Republic understood the crisis, and welcomed the Kuwaiti mediation, and also encouraged direct dialogue to resolve the crisis, without prejudice to the sovereignty of anyone.
On accusing the State of Qatar of supporting Hamas, ISIS in Libya and elements of Al Qaeda, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Italian Republic Abdulaziz bin Ahmad Al Malki said, the siege countries continues to accuse the State of Qatar with no proof in order to undermine its leadership and to win over the west, however the accusations have been ignored since the western community is like Qatar and does not accept charges of terrorism funding merely for the political difference between the parties.
HE the Ambassador said Qatar uncompromisingly combats terrorism and hosts the US base from which it fights ISIS and other terrorist organizations. His Excellency said the State of Qatar fights the roots of terrorism by strengthening education, consolidating the principles of forgiveness and dialogue and by creating job opportunities for the youth, not only in Qatar, but also around the world.
He said the State of Qatar respects Iran as a partner in the region, adding that the statements regarding a full alliance between Qatar and Iran was professionally fabricated through the campaign of fake news and accusations against the State of Qatar. His Excellency added, if the point is economic exchange, Qatar does not have the highest economic exchange with Iran in the GCC region.
Regarding the bilateral relations between Qatar and Italy, HE the Ambassador said, the relations are continuously developing, whereas on the diplomatic and political level, the State of Qatar inaugurated a general consulate in Milan, and a military attach in Rome. After three years of negotiations, Qatar was able to reach an agreement with Meridiana company, making the company a strategic asset to the air transport system that has already been built by Qatar Airways, His Excellency said.
He added that the Meridiana company is an important contributor to Sardinia's economy, however Qatar will make it an Italian and European carrier that is able to cooperate with the infrastructure established by Qatar Airways. His Excellency said we follow Sardinia's circumstance, where we will build the Olbia Hospital and other projects.
HE the Ambassador said he would meet with the mayor and governor of Sardinia, focusing on diversifying investments, and through the 49 percent from Meridiana, the goal is to develop the company in order to become a European carrier covering 150 European destinations. His Excellency added that they will work on improving services by depending on the pilots and technicians of high caliber and those who have a strong incentive and are loyal to the company.