(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The blockade on Qatar violates many principles of international law, an official of Qatar University( QU) has stated at a panel discussion in Washington, DC recently.
'Qatar's blockade violates principles, such as threat to use force in international relations, non-interference in the internal affairs, equality in sovereignty, conflict settlement through peaceful means, implementing the international obligations in good faith and not to abandon them based on a unilateral will without reasonable justification, and the principle of non-abuse of using the right, and the obligation to respect and protect human rights and preserve human dignity, said QU College of Law dean Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi.
He also noted that blockade against Qatar is a clear violation of the systems of the GCC, Arab League, and Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, as well as the Chicago convention (Aviation), and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Sea Transportation).
QU professor of political sociology Dr Majed al-Ansari, and professor of political science Dr Mohamed al-Misfer also participated in the panel discussion on 'The GCC Crisis in Context held at the Holeman Lounge National Press Club Washington, DC.
Organised by the Arab Centre Washington, DC (ACW), the panel discussion aimed to highlight the issues related to the current Gulf Crisis. It was moderated by ACW executive director Dr Khalil Jahshan.
Dr al-Khulaifi highlighted, 'International Law is deemed the main reference regulating international relations and defining the rights and obligations of each state. It also organises all issues relevant to international matters including human rights and maintaining human dignity, considering the individual as an integral part of the world community.
Dr al-Ansari noted that Qatar's blockade is not about terrorism, referring to the claims presented against Qatar. He also maintained that it is not about the Qatari interference in the affairs of other states pointing to US State Department reports that Qatar is not meddling in the affairs of other countries. He further described that it is not about Iran, where other GCC countries have more relations with Iran than Qatar.
He said, 'There are many reasons for this, including economics. The UAE is uncomfortable with Qatar's emerging economic model, but as a consumer I have not felt the impact of the siege on the Qatari markets or economy, as the state has subsidised some commodities and eased the legal framework for businesses.
'For Saudi Arabia, there are economic factors as well, but also internal politics and succession issues at play. Saudi needs 'a political win, as its involvements in Yemen, Syria, and Libya have not been fruitful. The crisis with Qatar, therefore, presented a 'quick win, he added.
Dr al-Misfer noted that the world has reacted to the blockade of Qatar 'with shock and disbelief as the international community 'marvels at how this small country has weathered this crisis. He also noted that the Qatar's blockade is a violation to Qatar's sovereignty, international law, trade agreements, and the human rights of the Qatari people.
'The crisis has impelled Qatar towards increased self-reliance economically and socially and has actually unified the country, he added.
Last updated: October 05 2017 01:29 AM
MENAFN0510201700670000ID1095921544
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.