Qatar Urges Quartet to Set Up Time Table for Peace Negotiations

New York, January 25 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has called on the Mideast Quartet to set up a time table for the peace negotiations and the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and to ensure the conditions necessary for their implementation. In a speech before a Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sheikh Mishal bin Hamad Al Thani criticized Israeli illegal settlement policy which represent the main obstacle to successful negotiations. HE Sheikh Mishal bin Hamad Al Thani noted that the recent meetings held with the Palestinians in Amman would not achieve any progress as long as Israel was ignoring all international calls to halt and dismantle its illegal settlements in the 1967 occupied territories and had no real intention to establish peace. HE Sheikh Mishal highlighted Qatar's support for the UN recognition of the Palestinian State and urged the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Israeli actions that undermine the two-state solution. He also expressed Qatar's concern about the illegal Israeli measures which aimed at the Judaization of occupied Jerusalem, stressing rejection of such measures attempts to change the Arab identity of the city, its demographic composition and religious nature. Meanwhile, HE the Permanent Representative to the United Nations pointed out to the efforts exerted by Qatar to put an end to the violence and bloodshed in Syria, and urged the Syrian government to shoulder its responsibilities to protect its people and end the crisis immediately. HE Sheikh Mishal highlighted the Arab League efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis within a regional framework away from any violence or military intervention. HE Sheikh Mishal reviewed the Arab League plan which was approved the Arab Foreign Ministers last Sunday. He urged the Security Council to adopt the Arab League plan which comes consistent with the demand of the UN Secretary General and the international community, since it is realistic and meets the different orientations of the Syrian people. (QNA)