Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
The speech of H H the Amir on Tuesday at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly summed up many issues, in addition to welcoming everyone, where he extended a hand of friendship and building bridges of communication, understanding and work for humanity. H H the Amir said ,"On behalf of the Qatari people, and on my own behalf, I call on you all to come to Qatar to enjoy the unique edition of FIFA World Cup."
Like many, the Amir’s speech was not without thorny international issues and Qatar’s position on them. He emphasised the Charter of the United Nations, respect for the sovereignty of states, non-marginalisation of international law, and the management of disputes in accordance with the interests of peoples. In his speech, His Highness the Amir stressed the importance of the United Nations bearing its responsibilities set by international law and the categories of rights holders, whether states or persons.
In his speech, the Amir called for a ceasefire and a peaceful solution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, calling for dialogue that will end the war, no matter how long it lasts. He stressed that the continuation of the war will not change the fact that it will increase the number of victims and aggravate severe effects on Europe, Russia and the entire world economy.
Addressing the delegates of the countries, he said that the Palestinian issue is still unresolved, and in light of the non-implementation of international legitimacy resolutions, the Israeli settlements have adopted de facto policy. Here, it must be noted that the Amir’s speeches were not devoid of emphasising the justice of the Palestinian cause, and its importance as a major issue for the Muslim world as a whole.
In his speech, His Highness the Amir moved to the suffering of the Syrian people and their right to a decent life and peace, stressing the need to hold war criminals accountable for crimes they have committed. He called for immediate international measures to be taken in Libya to complete the political process, unify state institutions, and renounce and hold accountable those who reject a peaceful solution. As for Yemen, he expressed his aspiration that there would be a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, in accordance with the outcomes of the national dialogue, the Gulf initiative and relevant Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216.
With regard to Iran’s nuclear programme, His Highness stressed the need to take the concerns of all parties into account, and that the agreement guarantees that the region is free of nuclear weapons and the right of the Iranian people to benefit from nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which will open the door for a broader dialogue at the level of regional security.
The Amir urged all Afghan parties to preserve the gains of the Doha Peace Agreement and build on it, so that Afghanistan would not be a haven for terrorism.
Amir’s speech was comprehensive, transparent and clear on all issues that affect the international community, which he addressed in details how to settle them with honesty and objectivity, while mentioning facts and figures. Thus his speeches revolve around core of issues and touching human conscience. So, putting the General Assembly, the United Nations, societies and international community in place to understand their responsibilities for finding solutions and develop understandings that would establish international peace and security.
At the end of his speech, H H the Amir welcomed the initiative of the brotherly Arab countries considering the Hayya card, which includes entry visa to Qatar, as a visa to enter those countries as well. It is a move that constitutes an incentive for the Arab peoples to look forward to a future with no barriers between peoples, adding that the Qatari people welcome fans with open arms.
His Highness the Amir ended his speech with a beautiful word in meaning, great in purpose and abundant in feelings; welcoming everyone. His speech included many meanings, goals, judgements and pieces of advice that draw the unique and humanitarian character of the leader, Tamim Al Majd. May Allah protect Qatar, its people and its leadership from all harms.
