New York - information office - 23 January
The State of Qatar renewed its call to settle the crisis with the blockading countries peacefully through constructive and unconditional dialogue, which preserves the sovereignty of states within the framework of the United Nations Charter, international law and the principles of friendly relations between countries.
The State also affirmed its keenness to defuse the crisis and achieve international peace and security.
This came in a statement made by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani at the regular meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Her Excellency stated that the State of Qatar remains committed to its usual principled positions in light of the ongoing unjust blockade and unilateral unlawful measures it has been subjected to for more than two and a half years, which is a flagrant violation of the provisions and purposes of the UN Charter and international law, as well as contributes to undermining regional and international peace and security.
Meanwhile, she referred to the campaigns of misinformation and incitement that the State of Qatar is exposed to by the blockading countries, which reflects the desperate and failed attempts by the blockading countries to undermine the State. Her Excellency also stressed Qatar's steadfast position in calling for a peaceful settlement of the crisis through constructive and unconditional dialogue that preserves the sovereignty of states.
Her Excellency continued to say that Qatar remains committed to mediation to solve and defuse the crisis and achieve international peace and security. She also renewed Qatar's appreciation for the sincere efforts made by HH the Amir of the sisterly State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
On the Palestinian issue, HE the Ambassador said that the Israeli occupation, illegal settlement and repressive Israeli practices against the brotherly Palestinian people are among the rejected manifestations of non-compliance with international conventions and norms.
She stressed that settling the Palestinian issue requires ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian and Arab lands, including the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories, and stopping settlement in the occupied land.
HE the Ambassador called for lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip, stopping illegal practices against the Palestinian territories, returning refugees, and stopping all practices that threaten the two-state solution, that includes the establishment of an independent and viable state of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, which lives side by side with Israel in peace and security.
Her Excellency also affirmed that the time has come to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause that enables the Palestinian people to achieve their rights and achieve their legitimate aspirations, through dialogue and serious negotiation on the basis of the UN Charter, international law, international legitimacy resolutions, agreed references and the Arab Peace Initiative. She urged the international community to strive in every way to achieve this goal that would put an end to the decades of suffering and instability in the region.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, HE the Ambassador stated that Qatar has endeavored to fulfill its role at various levels in order to create the appropriate environment for a lasting and comprehensive peace. She drew attention to the importance of addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation, especially in the Gaza Strip, noting the support provided by Qatar to strengthening the budget of the Palestinian Authority and providing humanitarian needs.
She also referred to the grant of the State of Qatar, which contributed to making a significant difference in providing electricity to Gaza and providing support to the temporary employment programs of the UN and other areas of importance to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian brothers.
As for the situation in Syria, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said that the time has come for the brotherly Syrian people to obtain their legitimate demands for security, peace and a decent life and to preserve the unity, sovereignty and independence of their country, referring to the continuation of the crisis and the resulting escalating human suffering and serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
She stressed that the political solution to the crisis should be in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and Security Council Resolution 2254, calling for the necessity of ensuring the activation of the Constitutional Committee as a step on the right path.
HE said that the State of Qatar will continue to support efforts to remove obstacles to achieving peace and a political solution based on international and legal references.
On the Libyan issue, HE the Ambassador called on all actors to assume their responsibility, respect the will of the brotherly Libyan people for a peaceful solution and support efforts to stop violence, achieve national consensus and implement Security Council resolutions, expressing the State of Qatar's full support for Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya Ghassan Salame's efforts.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, Her Excellency stated that the brotherly Yemeni people deserve an end to the conflict and their severe human suffering, calling on the parties to engage in a dialogue aimed at achieving a political solution and national reconciliation, based on Security Council Resolution 2216, which will ensure the preservation of the unity of Yemen and restore security and stability.
Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's support to the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, stressing the need to adhere to international law and protect human rights, and the need to secure the basic needs of all Yemenis and facilitate the arrival of humanitarian assistance to them.
In regard to the developments taking place in the Iraqi arena, HE the Ambassador Sheikha Alya underlined that the State of Qatar is closely following up the developments of events in Iraq and what the region is currently experiencing from a sensitive stage that requires concerted efforts and building bridges of communication as well as the preference of pluralism to unilateralism in finding solutions.
In her statement, HE also stressed the need to raise the voice of reason and wisdom to reduce tension and stop escalation. In this context, she noted the State of Qatar's firm stance which calls for the importance of activating preventive diplomacy and adopting peaceful methods to resolve disputes and conflicts through dialogue and mediation. Today, the State of Qatar's stance remains consistent in emphasizing the need to adhere to international law and the principles of friendly international relations, she added.
HE affirmed the importance for the international community to carry out its responsibilities to ensure the security and stability of the region, pointing out that the State of Qatar is exerting its utmost diplomatic efforts, and is seeking, through consultation and coordination with friendly and brotherly countries, to calm and reduce escalation.
Concluding her statement, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya said that the Middle East is in need, more than ever before, to put an end to all tensions with disastrous effects on international peace and security, calling on the Security Council to assume its responsibility in taking the necessary measures to stop all serious violations of international law and end crises in order for the region to become a safe place for its people in terms of peace, stability, development and prosperity.