Qatar always strives for settlement of disputes by peaceful means, especially through mediation, which is one of the priorities of the country’s foreign policy, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has underlined.
Addressing the 16th Doha Forum, currently in session here, HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said this policy arises out of the firm conviction of Qatar under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to renounce the use of force and methods of pressure and coercion.
The Foreign Minister explained that the patronage and continued support of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to this Forum had made it one of the most important Forums that are working to establish security and stability, which are now
required more than ever.
He referred to crises witnessed by the world, calling for taking advantage of opportunities for consultation among politicians and intellectuals in various fields to develop effective solutions in order to achieve stability and security.
The Foreign Minister noted that many regions of the world face security challenges, most notably armed conflict, terrorism and extremism, poverty and unemployment, increasing numbers of refugees, and the emergence of armed militias outside the state institutions.
He explained that there are factors that “doubled the damage caused by these challenges”, such as the continuation of the Security Council’s selectivity in addressing the issues, as well as the use of force by some countries to solve problems.
The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of following the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations to realise the principles of justice.
HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stressed that oppression, tyranny and double standards and the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms are a threat to human security, explaining that the best way to address these issues is through political and social dialogue.
The Foreign Minister noted that the people of the Arab region revolted when ways to reform were blocked and security solutions to them had generated new crises which had not existed.
He stressed that the Middle East now needs peace, security and stability more than any time. He explained that the main threat to security and stability is the continuation of the policy of occupation without international community’s accountability, pointing out that the Palestinian-Israeli US-sponsored peace process had come to a standstill due to the lack of an agreement on the basis for negotiations.
The Foreign Minister said: “If the international community wants to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and the world, then it must end the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, including Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, as well as reach a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement, based on international resolutions, and compel Israel to return to serious negotiations lift the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, a complete cessation of settlement activities, and to support international efforts to rebuild what has been destroyed by the Israeli war machine.
On the situation in Syria, the Foreign Minister said: “The international community’s failure to put an end to crimes against humanity is the main factor in the aggravation of the situation there, noting that the ultimate solution to the Syrian crisis depends on the clear will of international actors, to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions so that the negotiations between the Syrian opposition and the regime would be feasible.”
