QNA Doha, Qatar

HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has underlined that the State of Qatar sticks to the need for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, especially through mediation, which is one of the priorities of the Doha foreign policy, and which is also moving its regional and international relations in accordance with the international law and principles of justice.

Addressing the 16th Doha Forum, currently in session here, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, said this policy comes out of the firm conviction of the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, renouncing the use of force and methods of pressure and coercion.

HE Foreign Minister explained that the patronage and continued support of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani of this Forum had made it one of the most important Forums that are looking deeply into the various developments and changes, and contribute to the awareness in the face of challenges and crises and work 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 of peoples and nations.

HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that achievement of security faces serious challenges in many regions of the world most notably the armed conflict, the growing of terrorism and extremism phenomenon, issues of 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 adoption of some countries mainly of using the force in solving problems, and bet the political forces to address the fears of racist and sectarian tendencies that lead to exclusion or civil war, the two sides of the same approach, based on the division of society into antagonistic groups, and undermining of citizenship as direct relationship between the individual and the State .. He pointed out that addressing the challenges facing the security imposes a comprehensive approach to human and societal security, which means reconsidering many of the policies and practices.  HE Foreign Minister stressed the importance of following the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations to realize principles of justice.  HE Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed 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 the political and social dialogue in its various forms and multiple channels in order to reach the best ways to change. HE the Minister noted that the peoples of the Arab region revolted when ways to reform were blocked and security solutions to them had generated new crises which were not existed, so the achievement of comprehensive national reconciliation in the region and agreement on a process of change is a guarantee of security and stability for the people.. and there is no other way unless adopting political logic, social consensus and dialogue among peoples and governments in order to be able to conduct the reforms that reflect popular demands, first and foremost respect for human rights that safeguarding the dignity and fundamental freedoms which had become gains for all mankind", HE the Minister added.  He noted that the agreement on the full and equal citizenship before the law as a general principle is the safest and most trusted way that leads any such dialogue into concrete results.  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 occupation and its practices without international community accountability.. pointing out that the Palestinian-Israeli US-sponsored peace process had come to a standstill due to the US care and come to a standstill due to the lack of an agreed negotiating basis, a matter which made subject to the logic of force, as Israel continued to expand and build settlements which creates a reality that distracts us more from the two-state solution, HE the Minister added. HE 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 legitimacy resolutions, and compel Israel to return to serious negotiations with credibility on all final status issues, and on clear basis of lifting the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, a complete cessation of settlement activities, and to support international efforts to rebuild what was destroyed by the Israeli war machine.  On the situation in Syria, HE Foreign Minister said that "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". He stressed that this humanitarian catastrophe would not end unless necessary procedures and measures would be taken to oblige the Syrian regime to implement the Geneva 1 resolutions which stipulate formation of a transitional rule with full powers which is also based on Security Council resolution.