The State of Qatar Reiterates Commitment to GCC Unity

New York, January 29 (QNA) - The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to the unity of the GCC and the restoration of the cohesion of the peoples of the region, and its aspiration to achieve the people's aspirations for greater solidarity, growth and stability, stressing that it continues to work sincerely towards creating the conditions for it and in the interest sought by its people and the peoples of the region as a whole.

The State of Qatar reiterated its welcome of Al-Ula declaration, and its commitment to reducing tensions and resolving crises through dialogue in accordance with the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes.

This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, at a virtual meeting of the United Nations Security Council on conditions in the Middle-East, including the Palestinian issue.

Her Excellency said that the State of Qatar prioritizes the unity of the GCC and regaining cohesion among its people, as it looks forward towards more growth and stability, expressing the State of Qatar's welcoming of Al-Ula declaration that was announced on the sidelines of the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) on Jan. 5, which HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in.

Her Excellency added that the summit came at a pivotal moment that built on the history of GCC, Arab, and Islamic cooperation. Her Excellency noted that this moment saw a triumph of prioritizing the common good, and entrenched the principles of mutual respect. Her Excellency also said that Al-Ula declaration crowned the efforts made by the late HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which were built on by HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation of the US' role in bringing viewpoints closer.

On the Palestinian issue, HE the Ambassador reiterated that a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue inevitably requires adherence to the principle of a two-state solution on the basis of international law and the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations, and, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, to the establishment of a Palestinian State on the borders of 1967 with East Al Quds as its capital, which lives side by side with Israel in security and peace.

She stressed the need to end the occupation of Arab lands and illegal settlements in the occupied territories, and to resolve the refugee issue justly, refrain from all attempts to annex territories, seize and demolish Palestinian property, and violate religious sanctities and any other practice that undermines the two-state solution. She also reiterated the State of Qatar's position of supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, and national reconciliation efforts in Palestine.

Her Excellency stressed the importance of continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people to alleviate the humanitarian crises and economic difficulties they are facing, noting that the State of Qatar continues to provide assistance to improve conditions in Gaza.

On the Syrian crisis, HE the ambassador said that close to a decade has passed since the start of the crisis that resulted in severe human suffering due to violations of international law, calling on the international community to support the effort of the UN Special envoy to reach a political resolution to the crisis in line with the 2254 resolution, which will maintain the unity and sovereignty of Syria.

On the Libyan issue, HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations welcomed the latest development that gave the Libyan people hope for peace, stability, security, in addition to putting an end to the humanitarian violations and the difficult economic conditions, thanks to the steps taken to implement the ceasefire agreement and launch a Libyan political dialogue. She called on putting Libyan national interests first, that would ultimately lead to holding elections and reaching a comprehensive settlement that maintains the unity and independence of Libya. She praised the efforts of the UN mission in Libya in that regard.

Her Excellency concluded by saying that the Middle-East needs, more than any time in the past, to put an end to the crises and place a framework for collective security and cooperation that benefits the people, particularly as the world faces challenges such as the health crisis. (QNA)