Doha: Qatar’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations H E Ambassador Jassim bin Yousef Al Jamal has praised Qatar’s contribution to the UN since becoming a member.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Jamal gave an overview of Qatari diplomacy in the immediate post-independence period, and the most prominent events over the past 50 years since the state’s participation as a member of the UN.
He stressed that despite its recent independence at the time, Qatar played a strong and active role in the UN, emphasising its positive contributions. He said that four young Qataris worked with him at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.
All were fully prepared to serve their country, learn and benefit. They dealt in groups, which necessitated them to be aware of all the events and developments that are taking place, and the permanent coordination between Qatar and the Arab countries.
The ambassador recalled some of the wonderful and honourable positions that confirm the complete harmony between the Arab group in the corridors of the international organization, noting the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) draft resolution condemning Zionism as a racist movement the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which angered the West and the US, at a time when Zionism enjoyed great power and influence in the international organization.
He said the strong Arab position at the UN demonstrates the Arab group’s standing against the policies of racial discrimination and its support for issues of liberation. In a related context, Al Jamal praised the positions of Islamic countries in support of Arab issues, especially the Palestinian cause.
When asked about his view on Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the ambassador said Qatar will increase its status and importance by hosting this important global sporting event for the first time in the history of the Middle East.
He added that attention is now turning towards Qatar, pointing out that it will prove to the world its ability to host such major sports tournaments with efficiency and distinction from previous tournaments.
He expressed his confidence that all the brotherly Arab countries will stand by Qatar and support it in the success of this international sporting event.
Regarding his opinion on the UN’s attempt to bring reforms within the UN Security Council, he noted that third-world countries have always called for the expansion of the Security Council, but he cautioned that achieving this goal requires changing the Charter of the United Nations.
The chances of this happening currently are “almost impossible” because the great powers have the right of veto, and therefore will not allow that, as they always consider their interests above all else, he explained.
