Emir calls on world to break Gaza siege Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:12

 

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday called on the international community to break the Israeli siege of Gaza in the wake of a deadly Israeli raid on a flotilla carrying aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.

At least nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed and 20 injured when Israeli navy commandos raided a Turkish ship early yesterday.

“All those who speak for freedom, justice and democracy must do something now to break the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip so that the blood of these free people will not go in vain,” said the Emir, while opening the Doha Forum 2010 and the Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

“This is a message to the Arab countries that now face the moment of truth,” added the Emir.

He described the Israeli raid as an “act of piracy” against the Arabs as well as those in the international community who stood by the people of Gaza.

The Emir said Israel had imposed the blockade because “the people of Gaza practised their democratic right in the elections,” that led to the victory of Hamas.

The distinguished audience at the Doha Forum welcomed the Emir’s call with applause.

The opening ceremony was attended by President Tarja Halonen of Finland, President Gjorge Ivanov of Macedonia, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, Queen Rania of Jordan, President Amani Karume of Zanzibar, Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai of Hungary and Prof Claus Schwab, CEO, World Economic Forum. Switzerland.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah were also present, among other dignitaries.

In a statement issued to Qatar News Agency yesterday, the Premier lauded the call given by the Emir to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli assault.

He called the attack a premeditated assault on innocent people and a flagrant breach of international law and conventions.

He asked who would pay for the blood of those who were killed yesterday and held the international community responsible for tolerating such “barbaric practices” that have grave repercussions on security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem expressed Qatar’s solidarity with Turkey and lauded its stand supporting justice. He expressed doubt over whether the Arab peace initiative would go ahead with indirect and direct negotiations, especially after it had become clear that “Israel was opposing peace.”

Meanwhile, the Arab League Secretary-General yesterday called an urgent meeting to be held today at Arab League’s headquarters to discuss the Israeli aggression.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Arab League denounced the Israeli action, which it said affirmed Israel’s violence and disregard for all legal, humanitarian and international laws.

The statement called upon the international community and its institutions to take swift action against Israel, which it said practised terrorism and stirred tension in the region.

The Peninsula

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