Media Center

Doha/ Information Office/ 04 August 2015/ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday expressed the State of Qatar's reservation over Arab League Secretary General Dr. Nabil El Araby's statement condemning Turkey for bombing areas in northern Iraq. In a statement released today, Qatar's Ministry Foreign Affairs said, "The statement issued by Dr Araby on behalf of the Arab League was not discussed with the League member-states before releasing it. "Qatar reiterated its full solidarity with the Republic of Turkey for its actions and measures to protect its borders and preservation of its security and stability." The statement confirmed Turkey's right to defend itself, and eliminate the source of the threat coming from any place under United Nations' Article 51 of its Charter which gives states, individually or collectively, the right of self-defense against armed attacks. The statement cited the recent attacks on the Turkish border town of Suruj and other territories inside the country. This confirms Turkey is under the threat of terrorist organizations. The ministry stressed Turkey's need to act immediately to eliminate this threat, especially after the brutal Syrian regime's atrocities led to the growth of these organizations which now pose a serious threat to international peace and security. In conclusion, the Ministry considers the Arab League Secretary-General's statement as a denial of Turkey's right to protect itself.