Doha (July 22, 2017): Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that Qatar was ready for negotiation on Friday he was ready for dialogue but any solution to the Gulf crisis must respect Qatar’s sovereignty.
Thani said in a televised speech that he valued Kuwait’s mediation and the support of other countries for the efforts, including the United States, Turkey and Germany.
He also criticised the closure of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and expressed solidarity with Palestinian people
In his speech he appreciated the spirit of solidarity, harmony and defiance that prevailed among the people of Qatar, both citizens and residents, since the beginning of the blockade imposed by fellow GCC countries.
“This spirit has frustrated the hopes of those who banked on the opposite side because of their ignorance of the nature of our society and our people,” the Emir said in an address to citizens and “all those who live on the good land of Qatar” on the current situation and the future directions of Qatar.
The Emir said day-to-day life in Qatar has continued as normal since the onset of the blockade. “The Qatari people instinctively and naturally stood up to defend the sovereignty and independence of their homeland,” he said adding that “all those who live in this country have become spokespersons for Qatar”.
The Emir said this was tantamount to a true moral test “where our society has achieved great success, as we have proved that there are basic principles and norms that we observe even in times of conflict and dispute, because we respect ourselves first and foremost”. He called upon all to continue this approach, and not slip into “what is inappropriate for us, nor for our principles and our values”.
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