*Calls for establishment of regional security system
*Gulf crisis can be ended by unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect and lifting of the unjust blockade
*True designs of siege nations stand exposed
*Doha to soon open UN House, which will host offices of various organisations of the world body
*End to Israeli occupation of Arab lands demanded
*Urgent political solution to Syrian crisis urged
*Need to maintain territorial integrity and sovereignty of Yemen stressed
*US urged to remove Sudan from list of states sponsoring terrorism
*Qatar makes significant achievements in terms of workers' rights
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Tuesday said the strategic importance of the Gulf makes stability in the region a regional and international need and called for the establishment of a regional security system to maintain security and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region in particular.
Addressing the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Amir said peace and stability in the region can be achieved by resolving differences through dialogue based on common interests and respect for the sovereignty of states."Stirring up tension and dictating the will by using siege and sanctions are not in the interest of any of them."
He said the unjust, unlawful and unjustified blockade imposed by some countries on Qatar continues. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was its second victim paralysing and causing it to lose its role.
"When I stood before you here two years ago, three months after the imposition of the blockade, I was confident of the steadfastness of the Qatari people and their brothers residing in Qatar, of surpassing the blockade's effects, and even of taking advantage of the challenge imposed on us despite the cost we paid.
I have also been confident since the first day of the campaign of incitement and distortion which preceded the blockade that the Arab, Gulf and world public opinion will soon realise the concealed objectives of the propaganda campaign against Qatar, that is driven by tendencies of domination, the imposition of tutelage and control over the potentials of other states, and the real objective of making accusations that were quickly proved to be untrue, this has happened, as this approach had been unveiled repeatedly when other states fell victim to it."
The Amir said unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect and the lifting of the unjust blockade is the only means to end the crisis and renewed Qatar's deep appreciation for the sincere efforts of Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and the endeavours of the brotherly and friendly countries to resolve the crisis.
His Highness the Amir denounced the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, and the ensuing unlawful practices, and in particular the expansion of settlements, Judaisation of the city of Jerusalem, the unjust and strangling blockade of the Gaza Strip, intensifying the settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and changing its nature.
He urged international organisations to bring an end to the sufferings of the Palestinian people and called for the establishment of a Palestinian State on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar will continue to provide political and humanitarian support to the brotherly Palestinian people, he said.
On the Syrian crisis, the Amir said the sufferings of the Syrian people continue for the eighth year with no solution in sight. He called for the implementation of a political solution to the crisis.
The Amir said Qatar will continue to carry out its humanitarian obligation in providing political support and humanitarian aid to the brotherly Syrian people.
As to the brotherly Yemen, the Amir emphasised his concern about the unity of Yemen and its territorial integrity, its sovereignty as well as the necessity to complete the political process in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and in particular Resolution 2216.
In Libya, the Amir said the latest developments warn of risks for the country's national unity and stability.
He said the latest military operations against the capital Tripoli have led to the non-holding of the comprehensive Libyan national conference, "which reveals a new failure to the collective security system in the Middle East region, the double standards and selectivity in the implementation of the international legitimacy due to the support extended by some countries to the military militias against the legitimate government, these militias which did not hesitate to commit war crimes against civilians.
"We call for holding accountable the perpetrators of such crimes, and for supporting the legitimate and internationally recognized government of the national accord, to enable it to assume all its tasks in putting an end to the suffering of the Libyan people and in restoring security and stability across Libya."
The Amir said Qatar continues to provide space for dialogue and support for conciliation based on rational and equitable solutions to the crises and armed conflicts.
He referred to the US-Taliban talks hosted by Qatar and called on the international community to join forces to achieve peace and stability in that country.
The Amir said Qatar value the steps and agreements that have been reached among the Sudanese parties and renewed the commitment to stand alongside the brotherly Sudanese people. He also called on the US to remove Sudan from the list of states sponsoring terrorism.
His Highness the Amir said the combination of terrorism and violent extremism has become a major threat to the entire world and called for a comprehensive approach that includes tackling its political, economic and social roots, along with the security and military action, to eliminate it.
The Amir reiterated his condemnation of all forms of terrorism and Qatar's support for combating it.
"It is also necessary to distinguish between terrorism and the resistance against occupation."
Qatar will continue to actively participate in the international efforts to combat violent extremism, he said and referred to the conclusion of a partnership agreement between Qatar and the UN CounterTerrorism Office and the contribution of $75mn to strengthen the capability of that office. He said Qatar assumes an active role in implementing the counter-terrorism mechanisms adopted by the international community.
The Amir said although communication technology is of utmost importance , the misuse of this technology is threatening the security of states. "As you know, Qatar News Agency has been subject to digital piracy and espionage."
The Amir renewed his proposal for calling an international conference to find ways to regulate this issue and affirmed the readiness of Qatar to host the conference under the auspices of the United Nations .
Stressing on the need to combat the repercussions of climate change, the Amir called for joint international action. "In spite of the disparity among countries in terms of situations and circumstances, today more than ever, we are in need of international cooperation and to ensure the credibility of multilateral international action to counter the climate change challenges.
"Within this framework, Qatar has assumed an active role in the international efforts on climate change, in partnership with France, Jamaica and the United Nations, leading the coalition concerned with funding climate activities and carbon pricing."
The Amir said Qatar has pursued a consistent policy to protect and promote human rights. He said Qatar has made significant achievements in terms of workers' rights and work conditions in coordination with the International Labour Organisation.
On collaboration with the UN, the Amir said Qatar has concluded partnerships with many United Nations organisations, and Doha will soon host the United Nations House, which comprises offices of various organs of the world body concerned with peace, development, human rights, the rule of law, humanitarian action and terrorism combating.
Also "Qatar has recently announced the support of the core resources of the United Nations with the allocation of $500mn to be added to the support that Qatar has already provided, thus, Qatar is now considered as one of the biggest partners supporting the United Nations in various fields".
The Amir concluded his speech by renewing Qatar's commitment to multilateral international action, partnership and cooperation "for the interest of our peoples and the good of humanity".
