Qatar reiterated its commitment to resolve the GCC crisis, that the blockading countries have created, through dialogue that guarantees sovereignty and puts an end to illegal measures.
It also renewed its commitment to the mediation of the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, expressing appreciation of these efforts, and of the States that supported it, in order to resolve the crisis.
Qatar has also affirmed its clear approach to dealing with the crisis wisely from its inception, in accordance with international law and international mechanisms for conflict resolution.
This came in a statement delivered by HE ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN, at the official meeting of the UN Security Council on the “Situation in the Middle East, Including Palestinian Question”.
Despite the many serious crises in the region, an additional irresponsible crisis has been created, which is the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar more than a year-and-a-half ago in an attempt to harm Qatar and its reputation, the ambassador said.
She added that the campaigns of hatred and deception by the countries of the blockade did not succeed in undermining the status of Qatar and the determination of its people, warning of the serious effects of this crisis on the stability and cohesion of the region, and the collective action of the GCC in order to deal with the common risks and challenges.
The ambassador also referred to the widespread grave violations of human rights against Qatari citizens and residents caused by the blockade, stressing that the continuation of these unilateral illegal measures is a precedent affecting the system of international relations based on the foundations of international law and good neighbourliness, and a firm position should be taken to end the illegal blockade immediately.
Also, she stressed that Qatar has affirmed its commitment to resolve the crisis through dialogue that guarantees sovereignty and put an end to illegal measures.
She explained that the strength of this legal position was revealed through the order issued by the International Court of Justice in July to take temporary measures in favour of Qatar against the United Arab Emirates for violating the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
On the Palestinian issue, the ambassador noted that the session of the Security Council comes after a year that witnessed the intensification of the suffering of the Palestinian people and violations of their rights, as well as the high level of violence and the danger of escalation, where the number of victims of violence is nearly 300.
In addition to the stalemate in the peace process, the deterioration in the security situation is an additional reason that again highlights the urgency of reaching permanent solutions and the need to strengthen the efforts of all parties concerned to this end, she added.
She pointed out that achieving a lasting, just and comprehensive peace requires reaching a settlement of final status issues through serious negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides on the basis of the agreed terms of reference including the Arab Peace Initiative, the establishment of a viable Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the end of the Israeli occupation of the occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories; the immediate and complete cessation of settlement activities; the return of refugees; and the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Also, she stressed the special importance of the issue of Jerusalem in view of its central importance and in light of the repeated tensions and escalation, stressing the rejection of any attempts to prejudice the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Islamic and Christian places of worship, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In this context, the ambassador reiterated Qatar’s adherence to its positions and policies aimed at playing a positive role in the interest of achieving stability and peace and in settling the Palestinian issue as a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement.
Ambassador Sheikha Alya said that Qatar recognises the importance of achieving stability and the environment conducive to peace, therefore it continues to do its utmost to contribute positively to alleviating the difficult humanitarian situation of the Palestinian, especially the extremely deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip.
She referred to the urgent humanitarian assistance provided recently by the State of Qatar to alleviate the severe electricity shortage and to prevent the closure of UNRWA schools due to lack of funding.
With regard to the Syrian crisis, the ambassador said that the Syrian people continued to bear the disastrous effects of the ongoing Syrian crisis, particularly the difficult situation of the Syrian refugees and displaced persons.
She drew attention to the aggravation of the current situation experienced by the Syrian refugees due to the cold winter, where His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani gave the directions to allocate $50mn to alleviate their suffering.
The ambassador explained that the humanitarian response is essential, but the only way to end this suffering and put an end to the threats to international peace and security caused by the crisis is by reaching the desired political solution that meets the aspirations of the entire Syrian people in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and the resolutions of the Security Council, including resolution 2254, in a manner that preserves Syria’s national, regional and sovereign unity and independence.
She also stressed the importance of the accountability for crimes committed, adding that until political transition and national reconciliation are achieved, accountability for crimes in violation of international law and international humanitarian law must be achieved.
Concluding the statement, ambassador Sheikha Alya expressed hope that the new year would be a different one and that serious and genuine action by all concerned parties would be taken towards a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, as well as dealing wisely with other crises in the Middle East.
HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN, speaking at the official meeting of the UN Security Council on the u201cSituation in the Middle East, Including Palestinian Questionu201d.
