(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
WASHINGTON: Qatar's participation in the military operation in Yemen aims at restoring stability and legitimacy HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari said.
HE the Qatari Ambassador delivered speeches in "McDaniel College" and in the "International Club of Annapolis".
In his speeches HE the Ambassador identified four basic steps to resolve the conflict in Yemen namely: stop the destabilization reinstall the legitimate government increase the international support and the reconstruction efforts involve all parties concerned and start a national dialogue.
On Syria HE Al Kuwari stressed the need for the Syrian people to decide their own destiny adding that the departure of Bashar Al Assad represents a first step for a lasting solution in Syria and that his survival in power means the continuation of the cycle of violence.
HE the Ambassador reviewed Qatar's stance towards the Middle East crucial issues including: the Iranian nuclear agreement the situations in Yemen Syria and Iraq and the recent refugees crisis.
He said that Qatar's diplomacy is active on two fronts: political and that includes its mediations in regional conflicts and humanitarian which especially includes brokerage operations for the release of hostages in the regional combat zones.
Because of the complicated situation in the region HE the Ambassador noted these efforts attract some criticism and questions most notably on the issue of ransom payments and the financing of terrorism. Qatar was aware of these criticisms "but we will not allow them to undermine our confidence" especially since the aim of this mediation is to help in the difficult humanitarian issues and to reach a settlement.
HE Al Kuwari spoke about the sectarian problem caused by the region's conflicts noting that it has deep causes and can not be summed up in one perspective.
He underlined the need to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution end to the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories withdrawal to the borders of pre-1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital.
He confirmed Qatar's continued support for the Arab peace initiative of 2002 as the best possible road map to guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people and to ensure Israel's security noting that resolving the Palestinian issue would contribute to solving many other problems in the region.
Concluding HE the Qatari Ambassador highlighted the GCC common position towards regional challenges particularly the Iranian nuclear program and the security situations in Yemen Syria Iraq and Libya.
QNA