DOHA: The Cabinet which met yesterday with Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in the chair praised the unity of Qatari people in facing the siege, standing by the wise leadership and their absolute rejection of any prejudice to the sovereignty, dignity and independence of its decision.
The Cabinet also praised the residents for participating with the citizens in facing the siege. The Cabinet said facts proved the justice and fairness of the State of Qatar’s position and that the siege countries lack any convincing argument or logic to impose their illegal siege, which in turn gained Qatar regional and international respect and support. The Cabinet reiterated its appreciation and support for the mediating efforts done by the Amir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah to resolve the crisis. The Cabinet also expressed its thanks to all the sisterly and friendly countries that support the Kuwaiti mediation.
Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi, stated the following: At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed a speech after one year has passed since the unjust siege imposed by some countries in the region on Qatar.
He said with the help of Allah, the sound guidance and wise directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar was able to overcome the siege in its early days, overcome its negative effects and continue developmental programmes and projects. The Prime Minister highlighted the strength and robustness of the Qatari economy and how it was not affected by the siege. He also highlighted the trust the international community has in the economy confirmed by the reports of international fiscal institutions and organisations.
The Prime Minister reiterated his appreciation to the wise stance of H H the Amir internally and externally in dealing with the Gulf crisis using dialogue and within the framework of principles of international law governing international relations between states. These principles are led by mutual equality and justice between countries, protecting their sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
The Cabinet also followed up the Israeli occupation forces’ continued repressive and brutal practices against Palestinian citizens taking part in demonstrations and peaceful marches and the continued Israeli authorities’ expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Cabinet reiterated its condemnation for the procedures and policies of Israel, and praised the efforts of Kuwait at UN to protect the Palestinian people using its strong Arab and Islamic voice to relay the Arab and Islamic stance towards the sufferings of the Palestinian people.
The Cabinet deeply regretted the veto used by US against draft resolution prepared by Kuwait, which impeded the issuance of an international resolution to protect Palestinians.
