DOHA
THE Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani presided over the 24th Arab Summit at the Sheraton Doha, on Tuesday, proposing a $1 billion fund for Al-Quds.
The Heir Apparent His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani headed Qatar’s delegation to the summit.
HH the Emir, chairman of the current Arab summit, declared closed on Tuesday night, the 24th Arab summit. Addressing the closing session, HH the Emir noted that the 24th Arab summit was held in crucial circumstances and expressed his appreciation for the participation of Arab leaders and their contribution to the success of the gathering.
Earlier, during the morning session, when HH the Emir invited the Syrian delegation to take their seats, thunderous applause greeted the head of the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) Ahmed Moaz al Khatib who led the delegation, which included Interim Prime Minister Ghassan Hitto.
Welcoming the SNC delegation, HH the Emir said, “We welcome the participation of the Syrian National Coalition and the interim Syrian government in this summit.
They deserve this representation thanks to the legality they gained internally and the massive support abroad and also because of their historical role in leading the revolution and preparing for building the new Syria”.
In his address at the opening session, HH the Emir said, “We reiterate our call to the (UN) Security Council to stand up for truth and justice, and respond to the oppression of peoples, and to issue a resolution for an immediate cessation of bloodshed in Syria”.
“And I’d like to reiterate that we support a political solution that saves the blood and protects lives, provided that this solution does not turn back the clock.” Fund for Al-QudsHH the Emir said that the Palestinian cause is the core Arab issue and the key for peace, security and stability in the Middle East. “There is no peace without a just, permanent and comprehensive settlement that addresses the rights of the Palestinian people; foremost among these is the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital”, he said.
“I call upon your esteemed summit, if we are serious about defending the Arab character of Jerusalem, for the establishment of a fund of $1 billion in support of Jerusalem, implemented immediately after the summit.
“I declare on behalf of Qatar our contribution of a quarter of a billion dollars to the fund. The remaining sum is to be contributed by capable Arab countries, and I suggest that the Islamic Bank (in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), manages this fund,” HH the Emir said.
Call for mini-Arab Summit HH the Emir also proposed the holding of a small-scale Arab summit in Egypt aimed at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. “We propose - for the sake of putting the Palestinian house in order - convening a smaller Arab summit in Cairo at the earliest, and the participation of any Arab countries that wish to attend in addition to Fatah and Hamas leaderships”, said HH the Emir.
Post-Arab Spring “The historical transformation currently experienced by our Arab nations requires dealing with it with new thought and a genuine will for change. Regimes must realise that there is no alternative to reform and no room for oppression, repression, tyranny and corruption.
“Out of the human and nationalistic responsibility, we must stand beside our brothers in the Arab Spring countries to surpass the difficult transition phase, particularly Egypt by virtue of its population density and economic conditions. Therefore, it is our duty to provide support to Egypt,” HH the Emir said.
Arab League reform “We support the reform and development of the Arab League, to enhance its capabilities and preserve its principles and objectives on which the League was founded”.
HH the Emir also proposed a pension scheme for the League staff and offered to contribute $10 million to the scheme.
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