QNA/New York

The State of Qatar said that Israel's continuing violations of international laws and human rights norms through its repressive practices and discriminatory policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gaza contribute to undermining peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.

In a statement delivered during the general debate of the 70th session of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) in New York, Ahmed bin Saif Al Kuwari, the Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN, urged Israel to strictly comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The statement also stressed the sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources.

Al Kuwari also stressed Qatar's keenness to work alongside international community to achieve sustainable economic, social and environmental development across the globe. The constitution of the State of Qatar and national legislation have attached great importance to issues related to economic growth, social development, preservation of the environment, and women's empowerment being fundamental pillar of development.

He referred to report of the Secretary General on "International trade and development," noting that the Doha Round launched in 2001 represents a unique opportunity to promote openness and fairness in the system with the rebalancing of rules and standards for development.

Al Kuwari recalled that the ongoing stalemate in the implementation of Doha Round of trade negotiations still pose a significant threat to the system of multilateral trade negotiations, and the ability to achieve development goals.  He also pointed out the importance of concluding the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations at the earliest.