HE Egypt's Ambassador to Qatar: We Heavily Rely on Arab Summit for Unity

Doha, March 14 (QNA) - HE the Republic of Egypt's Ambassador to the State of Qatar Mohammed Morsi has indicated that the Arab Summit to be held in Doha by the end of this month would greatly be relied on for a contribution towards unification, working on the challenges faced by the nation in the wake of the Arab Spring. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), on Thursday, HE Morsi pointed out the importance of the Summit, attributing it to exceptional circumstances and continuous developments faced by the region and the world, whilst referring to crucial files which require solutions from Arab leaders. The mechanism behind the periodic summits had been approved at the Extraordinary Summit in Cairo in 2001, the Ambassador said, comparing it with that of the African and European Union held in similar fashion. Regarding the Syrian file, the Egyptian Diplomat highlighted its complex nature, considering it to require more efforts. As for the Palestinian cause, Morsi stressed its sensitive nature due to Israel's rapidly increasing Judaization and settlement expansion rates. The Ambassador also told QNA that Egypt will not cease to direct its attention towards the reconciliation, pointing out meetings which were held despite Egypt's deep immersion in internal issues. Furthermore, Morsi also addressed the financial crises experienced by Arab Spring nations, speaking of brotherly nations' support for stability at such a stage and indicating the topic's likely placement on the Summit's agenda. The Egyptian Ambassador expressed his conviction that Gulf countries could play a role in the financial revitalization, reiterating his thanks and appreciation to the State of Qatar, HH the Emir, the government, and the people of Qatar , over their continuous support for the Egyptian revolution which had begun with the very first spark, as Qatar has not ceased to support Egypt economically and politically. Communication has not stopped, he said, adding that Qatari investments are solid and will grow over the coming period. Egypt appreciates this support which will reflect within the context of the Arab stance, said HE Morsi, stressing meantime the cruciality of stability for Arab Spring nations and its significance for the entire region. Additionally, he expressed optimism on a personal level backed by objective evaluation over the status of Arab Spring nations for what it encompasses in terms of a democratic restructuring within an environment boasting transparency and freedom. HE Morsi indicated that although highly rejected, current tensions are a natural outcome of the revolutionary process. In regards to the Arab-American relations, HE the Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar described such relations as controversial, due to some reservations from the part of certain countries over its biased stance towards Israel, whilst highlighting changes which have followed the Arab Spring. In response to a question on the Islamist climb to the top of the political pyramid in Arab Spring nations and its effects on Islamophobia, HE Ambassador Morsi stressed that such parties have acquired a large number of parliamentary seats in evidence to a rule achieved by popular consensus. He indicated their emergence from within society, pointing out that there is no harm in their participation in running the country given adherence to clear democratic rules. HE the Ambassador stressed Egypt's keenness over the security of Gulf and Arab countries, illustrating Gulf security as an extension of that of Egypt, which is also keen on their development as part of its strategic interests and the Arab world's national security. HE Morsi highlighted the vitality of outlining clear relations with neighboring countries. He also pointed out Egypt's firm stance on the denuclearization of the Middle East, its participation in related conferences, and insistence on Israel's compliance. Asked about the Egyptian-Qatari relations, Morsi indicated in his interview to QNA to integrated policies and stances, saying that each of the countries has its role and status, highlighting Egypt's keenness in support of brotherly nations as well as their regional efforts and roles. Egyptian-Qatari relations are of an integrated nature and Egypt strongly supports efforts exerted by the State of Qatar on all issues including the Darfur file, in addition to others including achieving peace and development in many areas of the Arab world or internationally, he said. Morsi reiterated Egyptian support for these efforts and a direction towards economic partnerships as well as political support for all roles due to the existence of major concerns and challenges in need of unification and partial adoption by each and ever nation. (END)