Statement By

 His Excellency Mr. Soltan bin Saad al-Muraikhi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Before

The Extraordinary Open-ended Virtual Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference Executive Committee  On

The Threat by the Israeli Occupation Government to Annex Parts of the 1967 Occupied Territory of the State of Palestine Via video teleconferencing Wednesday, 10 June 2020 Excellencies, Colleagues, I would like at the outset to thank the chairmanship and the secretariat for convening this extraordinary meeting to urgently consider a question of great importance and urgency, that requires the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take a firm stand, especially as it relates to the Question of Palestine, the question of paramount importance to the organization. The State of Qatar is taking part in this meeting out of its firm stance towards the Question of Palestine and its full solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people. At a time when the world is scrambling to address numerous and significant challenges, notably the current crisis of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, attention should not be diverted from the danger posed by Israel’s attempts to move ahead with its policies and plans to annex parts of the 1967 occupied Palestinian territory and accelerate the colonial settlement activity there, as well as other illegal and unlawful measures. The pursuit of peace on the basis of international law and international legitimacy has been the position that OIC member States have constantly reiterated. What unites us today therefore is our recognition of the seriousness of the Israeli government’s designs to take steps that pose a major threat to peace and security in the region and the world, and undermine the two-state solution, that is unanimously endorsed by the world as irreplaceable settlement to reach a lasting, just and comprehensive peace. What unites us today is the total rejection of any attempt by the occupying Power to circumvent international law, international legitimacy resolutions, terms of reference for peace, and existing agreements. In contrast to our positions, the Israeli government insists on taking irresponsible and dangerous steps that would undermine the chances for peace and do not serve anyone’s interest. The Israeli government's insistence on taking unilateral steps is categorically rejected, not only by the Palestinians but also by the whole world. It is proof of clear intransigence, of disregard to efforts to find a peaceful settlement, and of upholding the unilateral solution that has proved its failure year after year.

Mr. Chairman,

Excellencies and colleagues, We repeat our firm and principled position that there is no alternative to the comprehensive settlement of the Question of Palestine in all its aspects. Such Settlements hould be reached through negotiations between the two parties. It should be based on the agreed-upon terms of reference and international legitimacy resolutions, the principle of land for peace,and the Arab peace initiative. It should realize the two-state solution that entails the establishment of a viable independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. Such settlement necessitates ending the occupation of all Arab territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories,ensuring the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, and a just solution to the question of refugees. We, therefore, support sincere efforts seeking a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and a settlement in accordance with international law, the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations, and the two-state solution. We also stress that the practices of the occupying Power, which violate international law and United Nations resolutions, are obstacles to the solution. Such practices include occupation, settlement, illegal annexation of land, measures that alter the character, legal status, and demographic composition of Jerusalem, and affect religious holy sites, the resort to violence, arbitrary detention against Palestinians, and the continued blockade of Gaza Strip.

Mr. Chairman,

Excellencies and colleagues, Distinguished audience, As we began by expressing the solidarity of the State of Qatar with the brotherly Palestinian people, we would like to conclude by restating the firm position of the State of Qatar in support of the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to restore their rights and occupied land.

I thank you.