These massacres, he added, blatantly violate international law and conventions, and are an attempt by dictators to retain power.
The premier was speaking at the 49th Munich Security Conference (MSC), an annual high-level security meeting, that brings together decision makers on foreign affairs and defence from around the world.
Qatar realises the indivisible character of global security, he said, adding that intertwined issues require all states to work together hard in a responsible and transparent manner aimed at promoting security and stability, and preventing crisis.
Perusing diplomacy and dialogue and forging relations based on equality between the states are needed to achieve this vision, he said.
The Premier warned the international community of the risk of “prolonging the Syrian crisis by hesitating and procrastinating to achieve narrow self-interests will turn the Middle East region into a volcano of war and turmoil.”
What we have seen in Lebanon, and what we’re seeing in Iraq are the direct and indirect effects of this ongoing conflict, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said.
He pointed to his efforts as the head of the Arab Ministerial Committee on Syria, which included direct talks with the Syrian government at the beginning of the crisis, a call to start dialogue with the opposition, and two visits to Damascus to meet President Bashar Al Assad.
All these efforts were in vain due to the regime’s intransigence and refusal to address public demands, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem told the Munich Security Conference. “However, we continued our efforts over the past two years and gave all kinds of support and backing to the former UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan and then to his successor Lakhdar Brahimi, but also to no avail.” He blamed the Security Council for failing to issue a resolution that stems the bloodshed and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The prime minister also spoke of the crisis in Mali and stressed that poverty, marginalization and lack of development fueled it, adding that effective solutions are needed before the world sees the crisis spill into other regions.
He stressed that Qatar supports Mali’s unity, wants equal rights and duties for all segments of the country, and backs the fight against international terrorism, whether in Mali or in other regions, noting that political dialogue is the only way out of the crisis.
The prime minister left Munich yesterday afternoon after taking part in the conference. The premier and the accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure at Munich International Airport by Qatar’s Ambassador Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi.
