Qatar urges Int'l action as Israeli occupation seeks to force new regional reality
The State of Qatar is continuing contacts with its regional and international partners to halt Israeli occupation violations and abuses, while warning against attempts to impose a new regional reality driven by a policy of regional hegemony rather than security considerations.Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the remarks during the ministry's weekly media briefing on Tuesday.He said there was a clear attempt to impose a new reality in the region, urging countries around the world, international partners and peace-loving nations to pay close attention to the developments and take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions.Dr Al Ansari said many of Israeli occupation's actions could not be justified in the context of the war in the Gaza Strip or the military escalation witnessed across the region in recent months. He said attempts were being made to impose a new reality in several areas, including Syria, the West Bank and Jerusalem.He said Qatar had repeatedly warned that Israel was seeking to exploit regional tensions to bring about strategic and dangerous changes to the situation in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.Qatar is working with its partners through the Arab-Islamic group and its regional and international partnerships to put an end to Israeli violations, Dr Al Ansari said, adding that Doha's position remained clear in rejecting impunity for violations committed against the Palestinian people and their cause.Commenting on HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani's visit to Iran, Dr Al Ansari said it was part of a series of visits to Tehran in recent days, including visits by officials from Oman and Pakistan.The visits were aimed at supporting mediation efforts to return to negotiations and prevent a renewed escalation in the region, he said.HE Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar's firm position in support of diplomatic solutions to the crisis, Dr Al Ansari said, adding that consultations with mediation partners in Oman and Pakistan were continuing.He said Qatar had warned from the outset about the consequences of leaving the crisis unresolved, and cautioned that treating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a fait accompli could lead to further escalation, affecting all sides.Doha, in coordination with its mediation partners, is continuing efforts to return to negotiations and is calling on all parties to exercise restraint and give priority to political solutions, he said.Dr Al Ansari stressed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution, saying the effects of the escalation had extended beyond the region and affected countries around the world, including key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and energy.He said Qatar was working with its partners on a peaceful settlement that would lead to the reopening of the strait and strengthen security and stability in the region.Al Ansari also rejected suggestions that the Gulf's role was declining, saying the GCC states continued to hold a prominent position in international politics and the global economy, while playing an active role in mediation and conflict resolution and maintaining a central role in the global economy.On Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi's visit to Libya, Dr Al Ansari said Qatar was strongly committed to supporting the aspirations of the Libyan people and their efforts to build a stable and inclusive state.He said the visit was part of Qatar's continuing efforts to support a political solution in Libya and promote consensus among the country's various parties.Qatar supports a "Libyan-Libyan" solution, he said, adding that the international community should focus on supporting Libyans in reaching such an agreement.Qatar would continue to provide various forms of support to Libya to help secure a better future for its people and promote stability and development in the country, Dr Al Ansari said.