Address by Qatar’s Ambassador: Emphasizing the Role of Mediation in Achieving International Peace and Security
Expression of Gratitude and Appreciation
His Excellency Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League began his address at the Third Arab Forum on Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation by expressing gratitude to all those involved in organizing and preparing this forum. He specifically thanked Brigadier General Dr. Abdulaziz Salmeen Al-Jabri, Chairman of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons in Qatar. He extended special appreciation to the General Secretariat of the Arab League, especially Ambassador Fadi Ashaya, Director of the Disarmament Department at the Arab League, and his team.
Partnership Between the United Nations and the Arab League
Ambassador Al-Ansari highlighted the significant partnership between the United Nations and the Arab League, where Qatar plays important roles in both organizations. This partnership represents the activation of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the UN and regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security and resolving disputes through peaceful means. He noted that there is an annual General Assembly resolution on this matter, underscoring that the UN cannot perform its role globally without cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations that are more knowledgeable about their regions.
Qatar’s Role in International Mediation
Ambassador Al-Ansari affirmed that despite its small size, Qatar plays an active and responsible role in both the international and regional communities. He explained that Qatar is active within the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This activity enhances Qatar’s credibility as a peace-loving nation that employs soft power in its foreign policy, making it a suitable mediator to defuse global crises, thanks to its responsible leadership.
Activating Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter
Ambassador Al-Ansari pointed to the possibility of activating Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, which encourages countries to undertake mediation roles to defuse crises. He emphasized that this approach aligns with the Charter of the Arab League and the founding principles of the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting the speeches of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, before high-level sessions of the UN General Assembly, which emphasize Qatar’s commitment to mediation and dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully instead of through war.
Examples of Qatar’s Mediation Role
Ambassador Al-Ansari presented examples of Qatar’s mediation role, such as its sponsorship of US-Iran talks in 2022, which led to an understanding to revive the Iran nuclear deal. He stressed that these efforts are part of Qatar’s commitment to disarmament and international security, pointing out that the escalation of nuclear disputes threatens global peace.
The Tragedy in Palestine and International Mediation
Ambassador Al-Ansari addressed the situation in Palestine, confirming that Israel uses lethal weapons to kill Palestinians, reflecting the failure of the disarmament system to prevent this tragedy. He explained that Qatar, in partnership with Egypt and supported by the United States, is mediating ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges, emphasizing that peace in the region cannot be achieved without supporting the just Palestinian cause.
The Need for a World Free of Human Threats
Ambassador Al-Ansari stressed the need to strive for a world free of human threats, particularly in light of unfulfilled commitments from the 1995 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and subsequent action plans. He called for the UN system, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the permanent members of the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities in implementing the 1995 Middle East resolution.
Call to the International Community
Ambassador Al-Ansari concluded his address by calling on the international community to take responsibility for protecting civilians, especially in Palestine. He highlighted Qatar’s efforts in this regard, such as participating in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He affirmed that prevention and preventive diplomacy are the best guarantees for international peace and security, advocating for investment in sustainable human development instead of killing and destruction.
Forum Recommendations
Finally, Ambassador Al-Ansari suggested that this forum serve as an international platform for discussing practical solutions to resolve conflicts, a strong supporter of global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, a regional starting point towards achieving the goals of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, and a partner in benefiting from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to achieve sustainable development goals for the benefit of all peoples.
