Changes reflect Arab aspirations: Qatar Tuesday, 10 May 2011 04:27

DOHA: Qatar yesterday said it backs and justifies the transformations taking place in the Arab world arguing that they basically reflect people’s aspirations for change and freedom.

Freedom, equality, social justice and respect for human rights are the values that all the religions of the world as also the International Conventions stand for.

But this region has avoided broaching these fundamental issues, so the aspirations of the new generations remain unfulfilled.

This has meant denial of dignity, self-respect and freedom to the people of the region.

This was underscored by the the Heir Apparent, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while opening the 11th Doha Forum at the Doha Sheraton here yesterday.

“The transformations are taking place in the region because people want freedom,” said

Sheikh Tamim.

He, however, described the failure to deliver justice to the Palestinian people as the root cause of all problems in the region, whether it is violence, instability or extremism.

Sheikh Tamim urged the world community to put more pressure on Israel and convince it to implement the relevant international conventions.

“Regional as well as global peace will remain threatened unless the Palestinian issue is resolved,” he said stressing that being a member of the world community, Qatar continued to work towards making this world a more peaceful and secure place.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, in his welcome speech, on the other hand, reminded the Forum that it was being held at a time when the entire region was witnessing significant political changes and events driven by

the people.

“We rely on your points of view and your esteemed contribution,” said the Premier talking of the need to delve into issues like transformations rocking the region or other major issues facing the region like energy and water security, trade, peace and development.

Interestingly, the opening session of the conference, the 11th edition of ‘Doha Forum and Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future,’ was devoted to transformations taking place in the Middle East.

Speakers warned that since countries in the Arab world are intertwined and connected to one another culturally and historically, it is difficult for the region as a whole to remain immune to change if one country witnesses political change or upheaval.

The three-day event concludes tomorrow. Some 600 delegates from 80 countries are taking part in it. The Peninsula