Qatar does not adopt an escalatory policy and always resorts to diplomacy: PM
The PM emphasized that the precautionary measures taken by Qatar on Monday were sound and helped spare the country any losses or casualties. He urged everyone not to be swayed by rumors and false news and to obtain their information from official sources.
The PM noted that HH the Amir received numerous calls following the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, including one from US President Donald Trump. He noted that the conversation between the two leaders was extensive and focused on the events, their repercussions, and how to deal with them.
He also referred to the US President's announcement of a complete ceasefire on all fronts, saying that the US asked the State of Qatar to communicate with the Iranian side to determine their readiness for a ceasefire, and that Qatar made the necessary contacts that resulted in the announcement made by the US President.
The PM expressed the State of Qatar's welcome of this announcement, 'despite the violations seen today of the ceasefire.' Qatar hopes the ceasefire will continue and that the matter will return to its diplomatic track, and Qatar urges the parties to adhere to what was agreed upon.
The PM also urged the American and Iranian sides to return immediately to the negotiating table to resume nuclear talks and reach a diplomatic solution, which Qatar has long called for and sought to achieve.
He added that Qatar wants a safe zone free of nuclear weapons, and wants this to be based on an agreement that guarantees the security and interests of all, as well as the interests of Iran, which is, after all, Qatar's neighbour.
The PM noted that HH the Amir received a phone call on Tuesday from the Iranian President, who expressed his regret that the target that was attacked on Monday was in Qatar.
He said that Qatar made it clear to the Iranian President that the State of Qatar is, after all, a neighbouring country and has always relied on good neighborliness in its relations with Iran and did not expect such an action.
The PM stressed that despite all attempts to inflame this situation, the State of Qatar will always handle matters wisely, while affirming that the violation of its sovereignty is unacceptable, and that all diplomatic and legal measures will be taken in this regard.
He also expressed hope that the issue will be contained as quickly as possible and that this chapter will be in the past. He added that it must not be forgotten at this point that everything happening in the region is an expansion of the conflict and aggression against Gaza.
The PM said that the State of Qatar has sought from day one to prevent the escalation of this conflict and to stop the bombing of the people of Gaza. He stressed that these efforts are continuing, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.
He added that Qatar is engaged in ongoing negotiations that have not ceased, even under the difficult circumstances the region has been experiencing. Qatar's goal is to reach a ceasefire and lift the injustice suffered by the people of the Gaza Strip. Qatar believes it is time for the world to stand together and put an end to Israel's irresponsible actions in the region, to halt this aggression against the Strip, and to stop the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for political blackmail.
He also said that Monday's attack on Al-Udeid Air Base was a shock not only to the government but to the people of Qatar, and Qatar considers it a violation of the good-neighbour policy that Qatar has adopted from the beginning.
The PM affirmed Qatar's ability to defend itself and deter anyone who attempts to undermine its security, while maintaining peaceful relations with neighbouring countries based on friendship, mutual interest, and benefit, and striving to avoid disputes.
He stressed that the State of Qatar does not adopt an escalatory policy and always calls for and resorts to diplomacy. He added that what happened on Monday will have an impact on the relationship with Iran, but with time, Qatar hopes everyone will learn the lesson, and that relations between neighbouring countries must not be violated.
He also affirmed that the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base will have no impact on relations with the United States, noting that the two countries have enjoyed a close alliance and partnership for decades, and that events have proven that this partnership is beneficial to both countries, as well as to security and stability in the region.
He said the Qatar's Armed Forces demonstrated their ability to defend and ensure the protection of everyone, including Americans and others. He said that he does not believe that the attack will affect relations between Qatar and the United States, except that the partnership between the two countries will grow.
He voiced his hope that good-neighbourly relations with Iran would return to normal as soon as possible, and that no hostile operations will be witnessed in the future.
He stressed that the State of Qatar always seeks peaceful good neighbourliness, and that the Gulf states are a center of stability in the region, and that challenges and threats are shared.
He noted that the opportunity is ripe for a better future for everyone in the Gulf region.
He said that Qatar would like to see Iran share this vision and enter into partnerships with Qatar and the Gulf states based on the principle of good neighborliness and partnership for the prosperity of all.
In response to a question about the legal and diplomatic measures Qatar will take regarding Monday's attack, the PM indicated that Qatar is still studying them.
'Qatar submitted a briefing to the Security Council on Monday night about what happened, and today, the emergency meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council will be held,' he said.
The PM reiterated that the State of Qatar does not seek to escalate its stance, but rather seeks sustainable diplomatic solutions and always seeks to end any crisis through dialogue, and will not be a spearhead in escalating any stance.
The PM also called for a clear mechanism for dealing with neighbouring countries in the future, and for a unified regional security system to prevent any party from attacking another.
Regarding Gaza, the PM indicated that Qatar, following the calls between HH the Amir and both the US President on Monday and the Iranian President today, sought to ensure a continuation of the ceasefire, but ultimately, the matter depends on the parties involved.
'Today, the situation remains murky, and no party wants to be the one to receive or end the final blow. However, what Qatar hopes for is a serious stance, for all parties to deal responsibly with the security of the region, just as the State of Qatar dealt responsibly with the attack launched against it on Monday, and for there to be a complete ceasefire between Iran and Israel,' he said.
The PM also called for full pressure on Israel to immediately cease fire in Gaza, noting that discussions on this issue are ongoing in cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, and that communication is ongoing with the Israeli side and Hamas to try to find a compromise formula and common ground based on the American paper.
The PM stressed that various achievements had been made in recent weeks, adding that unfortunately, the Israeli escalation and aggression against Iran disrupted and hindered these efforts for a period.
He added that Qatar is continuing its efforts and is looking for an opportunity within the next two days to hold indirect negotiations between the two parties (Israel and Hamas) to reach an agreement.
He urged the Israeli side not to exploit the ceasefire with Iran to continue bombing Gaza. He also called on the international community to pressure Israel to implement a ceasefire and for Hamas to accept a deal that ends the war and releases all hostages and prisoners.
Regarding the discussions with Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon HE Dr Nawaf Salam, he indicated that the discussions focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
He also said that the two sides discussed ways to support Lebanon and enhance its stability, noting that the energy issue and how to work together to develop and restore the energy infrastructure was one of the most important issues discussed. In this context, he referred to the discussions held between the energy ministers of the two countries, saying that these discussions will be followed by an action plan, as Qatar promised the Prime Minister, in the coming months.
In a related context, the PM noted that the discussions addressed the urgent need to provide energy to the brothers in Lebanon during the summer, indicating that this issue will be discussed with the Qatar Fund for Development and QatarEnergy to ensure that whatever is available is provided.
The PM also noted that the discussions HE Dr Nawaf Salam addressed support and cooperation in the transportation and air navigation sectors, as well as possible efforts for reconstruction, particularly in areas destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces.
He said that the meeting was an opportunity to discuss regional developments, expressing in this context the State of Qatar's full condemnation of Israel's violations of the ceasefire agreement and its continued violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon.
He added that this is clearly and explicitly unacceptable and condemned, and Qatar looks forward to the Security Council fulfilling its role and working to halt these irresponsible Israeli actions in the region.
The PM indicated that the discussions also covered developments in Lebanese-Syrian relations, wishing them a better future. He said that Qatar understands Dr Nawaf Salam's utmost keenness to develop relations with Arab countries, especially neighbouring countries, including Syria, and the State of Qatar fully supports these paths.
For his part, the Lebanese Prime Minister renewed his country's gratitude to the State of Qatar and to HH the Amir, for the continued support and assistance extended to Lebanon - particularly through the Quintet Committee for political support, which remained active for over two years.
Dr Salam expressed appreciation for Qatar's backing across several fields, most notably its support for the Lebanese army and various development projects. He noted that both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at reaching an executive framework for Qatari support in key sectors, including energy and the supply of gas to Lebanon.
Dr Salam also reiterated Lebanon's strong condemnation of the attack that targeted Qatar on Monday, calling it a violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. He expressed hope for regional de-escalation and praised Qatar's efforts in halting military operations, voicing his wish for a renewed path of diplomatic engagement.
Furthermore, he condemned the Israeli aggression against Iran, describing it as a breach of Iran's sovereignty and international law - a stance that Lebanon has upheld from the outset.
The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that the government is committed to asserting full state authority across all Lebanese territory, using its own national resources and in line with Taif Agreement. He emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw from five remaining occupied points along the southern border and to cease its near-daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
He affirmed that Lebanon is actively working to rally political and diplomatic support - from Arab states to permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the United States - to compel Israel to end its aggression and occupation. He stated that there can be no real security in Lebanon, as long as Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory, urging the international community to exert pressure on Israel to achieve
this goal.
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