Qatar Confirms Support for International Efforts to Resolve Arab-Israeli Conflict

New York, July 24 (QNA) - The State of Qatar condemned Israel's illegal and unjust practices against the Palestinians including the illegal settlements and the continuous attempts to change the demographic nature of the Palestinian territory, particularly the Judaization of Jerusalem, as well as the continued detention of Palestinians, the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and procedures strangling the Palestinian economy. The State of Qatar underlined that the Israeli illegal procedures is hindering the international efforts aiming at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, last night, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani lauded the efforts currently underway by the United States to revive the peace talks between Palestine and Israel. HE Sheikh Meshal said that the US efforts confirms the commitment of the international community to dialogue and to the resolutions of international legitimacy, which is also supported by the Arab initiative that was renewed during the Arab Summit in Doha last March. HE Sheikh Meshal underlined that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in supporting the international efforts to seize what seems a promising opportunity in the midst of complex events in the Middle East. The State of Qatar also welcomed the decision of the European Union which bans financial assistance to Israeli groups operating in the occupied territories, and to not recognize any changes to pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties to the Middle East peace process. HE Sheikh Meshal noted that the decision supports the resolutions of international legitimacy and the international law, and demonstrates the international community's rejection of the illegal settlements and what could threaten the chances of achieving the two-state solution, and called on other countries to follow the example of the European Union in this regard. Concerning the situation in the Middle East, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani said that the current situation in Syria represents a threat and a challenge to the international community as it has dangerous impacts on Syria's sovereignty, neighboring countries' security and stability and international peace and security. He called on the Security Council to take fast and effective procedures, noting that the number of innocent victims in Syria has exceeded one hundred thousand, as well as millions of refugees and displaced persons and the systematic destruction of homes, utilities and other uncountable violations. HE Sheikh Meshal called on the United Nations to take effective action by the Security Council in order to find a final and just solution to the suffering of the Syrian people, based on the international law and the resolutions of international legitimacy, to bring those responsible for the crimes and violations to justice; and to enable Syrians to determine their destiny and shape their future after this long suffering. (QNA)