In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti , President of the current session of the League's Council,
Your Excellencies, Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegations,
Your Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States,
Distinguished guests,
Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings
As our meeting is held today, the issue of Palestine, the central issue of the Arab and Islamic nation, faces a dangerous development in the form of a decision signed by the President of the United States to recognize the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and transfer the United States' Embassy there. It is a move that represents dangerous escalation, and great provocation to the feelings of millions of Muslims and Christians around the world. It is a flagrant violation of international laws, charters and norms. In particular, the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations, that decides the proceedings and decisions to nullify and repeal all Israeli measures and actions aimed at changing the legal status of Jerusalem.
The United States' adoption of this blatantly biased step with regards to the Israeli occupation, and the unjust denial of the historic and legitimate Palestinian rights, has created a reality that requires us to stand firm in the face of serious repercussions. We must stand together to support the resilience of the brotherly Palestinian people. We must side with friends in the international community to take the necessary steps by all means guaranteed by international law and the Charter of the United Nations to deal with and respond to the United States' resolution. We must defend Jerusalem and its historic and religious status, and its legal status that is guaranteed by international law that is confirmed by the resolutions of international legitimacy.
Your Excellencies,
The American decision has placed the United States' relations with the Arab and Islamic nation on the line. It has reflected their lack of awareness regarding the impact and serious consequences this decision holds. We caution against what could further complicate the situation in the Middle East, which poses a threat to the security and stability of the region; not only the region but also international peace and security. This will lead to the destruction of international efforts aimed at achieving the desired peaceful settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, which has been stalled by a long history of Israeli intransigence, breach of obligations and commitments, and attempts to impose a de facto policy.
Your Excellencies,
The denial of facts does not negate their existence. In this sense, the Arab identity of Jerusalem has been established since the third millennium B.C., and it will remain greater and older than the decision to change its historical and religious identity, and its status in the conscience of Arabs and Muslims. We have witnessed the manifestation of global anger that has engulfed people over the past few days. Today, we face a historic responsibility, not only for towards the Palestinian people, but also towards the Arab and Islamic people. Whoever thinks that the Arab and Islamic people will stand by idly, in the face of such a provocation developed by the occupying state that touches the historical identity of the city of Jerusalem and its Arab and Islamic character, is mistaken.
The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and disapproval of this resolution, and stresses its total rejection of it. Qatar reaffirms its firm and constant position to support the Palestinian cause and resilience of the brotherly Palestinian people. This position is based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and (the Arab Peace Initiative) and the two-state solution agreed upon by the international community, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The State of Qatar calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in implementing the resolutions of international legitimacy, maintaining the legal and political status of Jerusalem, and spare the region the dangers of conflict. Qatar also calls on the United States' administration to review its decision and reverse it, and to abide by the resolutions of international legitimacy that considers the city of East Jerusalem to be an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories in 1976.
Your Excellencies,
In the light of these delicate circumstances and the challenges facing the issue of Palestine, including the issue of Jerusalem, we, all of the Arab League and all Member States need to develop a collective action plan, and take steps that reflect the responsibility we must all have towards facing these challenges.
In addition, we must send delegations under the umbrella of the Arab League to various international forums to take advantage of the international situation rejecting the resolution and to mobilize the international community to take a firm position.
Support must be given to our Palestinian brothers, in any legal and diplomatic move that could counter this decision. We must not underestimate this illegitimate resolution that may be the foundation for other resolutions, which could threaten the entity of the Arab and Islamic nation and not preserve its dignity.
To conclude, the preservation of Jerusalem and its Arabism requires us to do our duty towards our people and history and to defend and protect them from Judaization. To the brotherly Palestinian people, we are with you, we support your resilience to obtain all your legitimate rights, foremost of which is the establishment of the independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.
I pray Allah Almighty to help us to do good and to make us of those who do what we say, and do it with sincerity.
Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings,,,