December 13, 2017
Regarding the summary of positions, perhaps the most prominent event last week was the United States president's decision to move his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and declare it the capital of Israel. This unilateral decision has received public condemnation in international forums. This was evident at the emergency meeting of the Security Council on the 8th of December, and there were also reactions and meetings regarding the matter; the most recent being the emergency summit in Istanbul today.
We reaffirm the position of the State of Qatar, which rejects this decision and denounces it, and warn the international community of its consequences. We are convinced that this step does not have any effect on the legal or even moral status of the occupied city of Jerusalem, to which the hearts of millions of people, Muslims and Christians are yearning. On the contrary, this step comes in the face of international legitimacy, including but not limited to, the United Nations resolution 478 (1980), which provides for the withdrawal of diplomatic missions from Jerusalem. We therefore join the international voices calling for a reversal of this resolution.
In a more optimistic context, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mr. Haider Abadi, declared the end of the war on the organization of the criminal ISIS, which was welcomed and blessed by the State of Qatar. It is important to remember that the post conflict battle is no less important than the danger of fighting ISIS. As for the battle to build and rebuild national cohesion – we hope that does not marginalize or discriminate against anyone – We look forward to seeing a prosperous and strong Iraq that is based on the shoulders of its sons and daughters unifying all their sects and denominations, and on the basis of its commitment to the renaissance of the brotherly Republic of Iraq. The State of Qatar looks forward to participating in the Iraq reconstruction conference to be held in Kuwait in the first quarter of next year.
With regards to another development, the State of Qatar condemned the bombing at a New York subway station. We affirm that the attack on innocent civilians is a criminal act that cannot be accepted under any pretext or justification.
As for the Gulf issue, we appreciate the efforts exerted by the State of Kuwait, which resulted in the convening of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit on time and Qatar's participation at the leadership level demonstrates its appreciation. This participation was also meant to preserve the integrity of the GCC from total disintegration.
Finally, we continue our approach to heal the rift through dialogue under the guidance of the honorable mediation of His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait. At the same time, we affirm that we are continuing to strengthen our strategic partnerships with the various countries of the world to ensure the sustainability of our economy and the independence of our decision.