Qatar- Emir aims to build Mideast security pact

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula

DOHA: The government Communications Office Director H E sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani reaffirmed that Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is aiming to build a security pact for the Middle East comparable to the European Union.
In a press statement on the occasion of the Emir's visit to Belgium, the Government Communications Office Director said that Qatar aims through this pact to 'ensure that no blockade is ever imposed against another country, to create a platform for conflict resolution in the region, and to offer all states and organizations such as European Union, the United States or NATO that wish to the possibility to join it.
He referred to the EU as an example for the State of Qatar, reported QNA. 'We want stability like EU by creating a dialogue around security, he said, adding that 'the only way to fight terrorism is to work together.
Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani reiterated that the State of Qatar condemns terrorism and reaffirms the need to 'work together to tackle the roots of evil, identify the causes of terrorism and fight them.
'We do not want to see any more terrorist attacks anywhere in the world, the Government Communications Office Director said, referring to the Brussels attacks whose second anniversary falls in March.
As for the social impacts of the siege imposed on the State of Qatar since June 5, H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said that the siege is 'causing social hardship.
'People can no longer see their families in neighbouring countries. It is harder for them to practice their religion and to perform pilgrimage to holy places, he added. To break the deadlock, HE the Government Communications Office director said, Qatar sees only one solution. 'We must resume the dialogue, thousands of people are affected by this situation.
Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani denied any links between the State of Qatar and terrorism financing. H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said: 'If they have evidence, they should show it. They want to justify the sanctions by invoking the fight against terrorism, but they had never addressed this issue before the blockade.
The siege countries accuse the State of Qatar of allowing some of its wealthy citizens to support terrorists as mentioned in lists prepared by the siege countries. 'This list is unfounded, we have anti-terrorist procedures in place and we do not let anyone support terrorists.
Over the past 15 years, Sheikh Saif said, the State of Qatar's influence has grown on the international stage thanks to success of Qatari diplomacy in settling conflicts in different region, winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup, the growth in the energy and development sector, and the worldwide reach of Al Jazeera.
He added that all this progress made some countries believe that the growth of the State of Qatar at all levels and rapid pace will affect it and, hence, they are trying to curb Doha's role.
'We have been very active over the past twenty years both at the international and national level. We want to bring more stability to the world, the Government Communications Office Director said.
On the State of Qatar's view of the Arab Spring uprisings, HE Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said they started with people demanding greater equality and dignity, adding that Qatar has welcomed it and recognised the right of these people to obtain their rights through communication with Arab Spring governments. 'We do not support any group. What we support is the right of people to live in dignity. We are connected with governments, whether there are or are not Muslim Brotherhood close to power.
As for Syria, Sheikh Saif said that Doha condemns the repression by the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. 'Bashar Al Assad has done irreversible damage, using violence against people is setting the stage for terrorism.
The Government Communications Office Director stressed Doha's rejection of the IS group. 'What must be created now is a strategy for the post-ISIS. All countries in the region should get together and work on it.

MENAFN0803201800630000ID1096563736