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Emir of Qatar calls on EU to work towards two-state solution

by AI | 18.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

BRUSSELS (ANP) – The Emir of Qatar on Wednesday called on the European Union to play an important role in reaching a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state. “Side by side,” said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the start of the first summit between the European Union and the Cooperation Council of the Arab Gulf States (Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC), in Brussels.

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi of the GCC, and President Charles Michel of the European Council (from left to right) during the first EU-GCC summit. Photo: Johanna Geron/Pool Reuters/AP/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++

Regarding Qatar, the borders of 1967 apply. Israel must therefore withdraw from the West Bank, said the emir.

He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

The emir stated that a solution must be found for the conflict in the Middle East. “The devastating war that Israel has started against Palestinians and now also Lebanon is unacceptable.”

A ceasefire is the first step in Qatar’s view. Only when that is arranged, can negotiations be started to “come to a definitive solution for the Palestinian issue”.

Also, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that “an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza and Lebanon”. She did not place all the blame on Israel. “The terrorist attacks led by Hamas on Israel on October 7 have fundamentally undermined regional security in Europe and the Gulf.”

The President of the European Commission said that everything must be done and all diplomatic skills mobilized “to stop the extremely dangerous escalation, with Iran now carrying out a massive ballistic attack on Israel, or Houthis attacking our ships.”

“Only diplomacy can generate a sustainable path for security,” she added. “The European Union is committed to peacebuilding, rooted in a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.”

In a joint closing statement after the first summit, the EU and the GCC emphasized that Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Ukraine. In addition, “a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in Ukraine” must be achieved as soon as possible.

The European Union and the Gulf States have agreed to hold a summit every two years. The next one is in 2026 in Saudi Arabia.