HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has called upon all Lebanese parties to give priority to the national interest and accelerate the formation of a government.
In a statement at the Lebanese Republican Palace after a meeting with President General Michel Aoun, HE Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that Qatar will support any path that leads to the formation of a government in Lebanon, adding Qatar does not seek to undermine the French initiative, rather it is working to complete international efforts to form a government.
In response to a question by the Qatar News Agency (QNA) correspondent in Beirut about Qatar's role in resolving the Lebanese crisis and establishing stability there through Qatar's contact with the Lebanese factions and regional and international countries, HE the Foreign Minister said that Qatar's message to Lebanon is a message of support and a clear message to all political parties that there must be a priority for the national interest in order to form the government, stressing that this communication continues on a permanent basis.
He added that Qatar's message is the same for all regional countries, and Qatar hopes that everyone will support the formation of a government that is agreed upon by all political factions in Lebanon in order to bring stability to that country.
Reiterating Qatar's support for the brothers in Lebanon, he said Doha will always support the Lebanese people and help them to overcome the crisis, pointing out that Qatar has undertaken some projects following the devastating explosion at the Beirut port. These include field hospitals and the reconstruction of the Karantina Hospital , in addition to the reconstruction of some buildings, including more than 55 public schools, 20 technical institutes and 80 university buildings. Qatar is also providing scholarships to 400 students at the American University.
HE Sheikh Mohamed affirmed Qatar's continued support for the completion of projects in the devastated areas, wishing the various Lebanese political parties success so that they prioritise the interest of the Lebanese people and work to form a government as soon as possible.
He said Qatar believed that Lebanon has a bright future but for that to happen the country requires a stable government.
On a question about a Qatari initiative to solve the Lebanese crisis similar to that of Doha Agreement 2008, he said the process of forming a government in Lebanon is an internal matter of that country, stressing that Qatar has good relations with the various political factions and Qatar is ready to play a role if requested by the Lebanese parties. He said Qatar will support any effort to form a government that brings political stability to Lebanon.
Regarding the written message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Lebanese President, he said the message expressed Qatar's support for the brothers in Lebanon and encouraged the parties to give priority to the national interest over political interests in order to achieve the formation of a government and political stability in Lebanon.
Asked about Qatar presenting a new initiative that undermines the French initiative, HE the Foreign Minister said that it has nothing to do with undermining the French initiative and "we are completing international efforts", expressing hope to meet with Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri, who is currently outside the country.
On the invitation to the political parties to Doha, he said the Lebanese are welcome at any time, but there is no such initiative on the table.
With regard to financial aid to Lebanon , the minister said allocating an integrated economic programme to Lebanon requires the formation of a government, stressing that Qatar does not provide financial support in cash, but in the form of programmes that make a difference in the state's economy and in the interest of the people. This requires a stable government and work on economic programmes that serve the people.
In response to a question by the Qatar News Agency (QNA) correspondent in Beirut about Qatar's role in resolving the Lebanese crisis and establishing stability there through Qatar's contact with the Lebanese factions and regional and international countries, HE the Foreign Minister said that Qatar's message to Lebanon is a message of support and a clear message to all political parties that there must be a priority for the national interest in order to form the government, stressing that this communication continues on a permanent basis.
He added that Qatar's message is the same for all regional countries, and Qatar hopes that everyone will support the formation of a government that is agreed upon by all political factions in Lebanon in order to bring stability to that country.
Reiterating Qatar's support for the brothers in Lebanon, he said Doha will always support the Lebanese people and help them to overcome the crisis, pointing out that Qatar has undertaken some projects following the devastating explosion at the Beirut port. These include field hospitals and the reconstruction of the Karantina Hospital , in addition to the reconstruction of some buildings, including more than 55 public schools, 20 technical institutes and 80 university buildings. Qatar is also providing scholarships to 400 students at the American University.
HE Sheikh Mohamed affirmed Qatar's continued support for the completion of projects in the devastated areas, wishing the various Lebanese political parties success so that they prioritise the interest of the Lebanese people and work to form a government as soon as possible.
He said Qatar believed that Lebanon has a bright future but for that to happen the country requires a stable government.
On a question about a Qatari initiative to solve the Lebanese crisis similar to that of Doha Agreement 2008, he said the process of forming a government in Lebanon is an internal matter of that country, stressing that Qatar has good relations with the various political factions and Qatar is ready to play a role if requested by the Lebanese parties. He said Qatar will support any effort to form a government that brings political stability to Lebanon.
Regarding the written message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Lebanese President, he said the message expressed Qatar's support for the brothers in Lebanon and encouraged the parties to give priority to the national interest over political interests in order to achieve the formation of a government and political stability in Lebanon.
Asked about Qatar presenting a new initiative that undermines the French initiative, HE the Foreign Minister said that it has nothing to do with undermining the French initiative and "we are completing international efforts", expressing hope to meet with Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri, who is currently outside the country.
On the invitation to the political parties to Doha, he said the Lebanese are welcome at any time, but there is no such initiative on the table.
With regard to financial aid to Lebanon , the minister said allocating an integrated economic programme to Lebanon requires the formation of a government, stressing that Qatar does not provide financial support in cash, but in the form of programmes that make a difference in the state's economy and in the interest of the people. This requires a stable government and work on economic programmes that serve the people.