Qatar Confirms Support for Strengthening Democratic Process and Freedoms in the Region

Doha, February 24 (QNA) - The State of Qatar confirmed that it was looking in a positive perspective to the radical transformations currently under way in the Arab world, in light of the winds of the Arab spring which blew up over the region, stressing its support for these changes in order to enhance the democratic process and to support freedoms in the region. This came in a speech delivered by HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al-Thani, the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Chairman of the Standing Committee for Organizing Conferences before a meeting of Club Monaco which kicked off in Doha today in the presence of a group of current and former officials, decision-makers and diplomats from a number of world countries. HE Sheikh Ahmed said "in this regard Qatar could not stand hand-folded while seeing peoples brutally suppressed simply because they are demanding their legitimate rights. Therefore it started to provide all forms of political and moral support," adding that the State of Qatar believes that the comprehensive political reform processes are a necessity for expediting the pace of participation of the popular majority in taking fateful decisions concerning their lives. " In this context these changes can only be achieved in the Arab region by starting the development of institutions guaranteeing such participation and the enhancement of areas of human development, especially young people sectors, the Assistant Foreign Minister said describing these sectors as “the new force in the Arab political scene." He stressed that the State of Qatar believes that atmospheres of genuine dialogue, based on the respect of peoples' freedoms and choices, must be available in the region and the whole world. On the Situation in Syria, HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation warned that the continuation of the status quo in Syria threatens the whole region and warns of dire consequences unless the international community succeeds to salvage the situation seriously and effectively. He said "in the light of this painful reality, the State of Qatar believes in the need that the Syrian regime should halt the killing machine and blood-shedding against its own people on the basis of the Arab League initiative reached on January 22, 2012, which include an integrated plan that allows the start of a peaceful solution in Syria." He added "in this regard the Syrian regime should listen to the calls of its people as well as the many Arab and international calls and to make serious endeavours to accomplish real reforms aimed at achieving a peaceful transition of power and at establishing a democratic system to ensure the participation of all categories of the Syrian people." Regarding regional peace, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al Thani reaffirmed that the State of Qatar believes that peace in the Middle East can only be achieved with an independent Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. HE said that the Qatari diplomacy devotes great efforts to achieve this goal through reconciliation efforts made to bridge the gap between the Palestinian factions so as to achieve the Palestinian people's aspirations and preserve their national unity. HE stressed that the only barrier hindering a peaceful solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict is the Israeli settlement policy that thwarted all positive initiatives to achieve peace. HE added that at a time when the Gulf area is under severe tension because of the Iranian nuclear programme, Qatar realizes the strategic significance of the region that contains half the world's reserves of oil and gas, and one-quarter of the world's production of the two energy sources. Qatar has always sought to achieve peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and in the world, HE said adding that in this regard, Qatar highlighted the importance of dialogue with Iran and pursuing political and diplomatic means to resolve the outstanding differences, including the nuclear issue. In addition, HE said that Qatar demands the Middle East, including Israel, to be nuclear weapons free zone in accordance with the nuclear weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al Thani began his opening address at the meeting of the "Club de Monaco" by welcoming the participants. He said he was pleased to exchange views with them on topics of common interest and relevant to the future of international relations in the region and the world at a time when the Arab world witnessed significant changes that will have important implications not only on the region but on the entire world." He explained that this meeting falls within the framework of the policy adopted by the State of Qatar in the organization of conferences, forums and events designed to promote dialogue between peoples and convergence of cultures in order to find solutions addressing+ issues that jeopardize the security and stability in this vital region of the world. He stressed that the foreign policy of the State of Qatar believes in the need to adhere to peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and common interests in accordance with the rules of the international law, as it believes in the importance of interaction between cultures and civilizations and the need to uphold the values of tolerance, justice, openness and the right of peoples to live in freedom and dignity in their homelands, saying: "These are the principles which we gather around today. " HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation said the State of Qatar also strongly adheres to the need to settle international disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and to renounce the use of force as a way to resolve disputes and to lay the foundations of good governance based on the rule of law and respect of freedoms and human rights as well as the eradication of corruption and establishment of economic and social development rules. For his part, Club de Monaco Founder and President Claude de Kemoularia expressed his thanks and gratitude to the State of Qatar for its great support to the Club's meetings. de Kemoularia said Qatar, thanks to the wise leadership represented by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was able to assume a prominent place in the world because of its active diplomacy at the regional and international levels which calls for pride and worthy of praise and respect. He praised the exceptional role played by the State of Qatar to achieve peace in the Middle East thanks to the initiatives of HH the Emir and his wise leadership. The high caliber dignitaries taking part in this meeting are playing significant and essential roles in their countries, which indicates the role of the club at the diplomatic level and in terms of public opinion, de Kemoularia concluded. (QNA)