Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has said that Qatar would favour a “comprehensive deal” to end the regional conflict.
Dr Al Ansari was responding to a question about reports that Iran wants to delink Hormuz talks from nuclear programme discussions during weekly media briefing held yesterday “Yes, we want a comprehensive deal that would address the interests of all the people in the region, including the Iranians and our people, and the concerns of the international community regarding Iran. Now, that said, we also know that peace is important.”
He further explained that Qatar is not against any deal that would maintain the ceasefire, which is a positive trajectory, but would also focus on the broader situation in the region. Dr Al Ansari further stressed that Qatar supports of the efforts of Pakistan over its mediation efforts to end the conflict.
He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions in addressing disputes and its categorical rejection of the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a political pressure card. “Qatar’s continues its support for regional and international mediation efforts led foremost by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
On supporting mediation efforts, Al Ansari further said that Qatar’s position has been clear since the beginning of the war which is the necessity of resolving any dispute on the negotiating table. “There is full coordination with our brothers in Pakistan within the framework of their ongoing mediation efforts.” He also pointed to progress in some talks despite challenges, considering ceasefire measures a positive step that should be built upon to reach a lasting solution.
On Strait of Hormuz blocking, Al Ansari said preventing the passage of ships and tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable under any circumstances and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure card in any military or political conflict is completely rejected by Qatar.
He noted that that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had global economic impacts and consequences, whether related to energy security or food security, as well as effects on global supply chains.
To another question about Qatar’s LNG tankers passage from the strait, he said that Qatar places the safety of workers on tankers among its top priorities, while continuing to monitor developments and negotiations related to reopening the strait.
Regarding the GCC consultative summit held yesterday in Jeddah, he said that holding a Gulf consultative summit at the leadership level under the current circumstances is a natural step in light of ongoing coordination.
He also confirmed that Qatar has taken all necessary military measures to ensure its safety and has succeeded in intercepting around 98 percent of missiles targeting it, while reserving its right to protect its sovereignty.
Regarding Lebanon, Dr. Al Ansari reaffirmed Qatar’s continued support for the Lebanese Republic in various contexts, whether through supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces or through coordination with international partners within the framework of the Quint Committee, noting that contacts continue with various parties in this regard.
