The Shura Council State of Qatar

HE Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud stressed the State of Qatar's firm position from the Palestinian issue, and all initiatives that would see the Palestinian people gain their right to establish an independent state based on the borders of June 4 of 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital.

His Excellency was speaking at the 15th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference in Burkina Faso and called for cooperation between Islamic countries, especially with the occupation showing greater disrespect to the international community by expanding in occupied Arab land.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar continues its support to the Palestinian people, and noted that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani directed to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after the United States halted its financial support of the agency.

His Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar's firm rejection of violence and terrorism, considering it a threat to the peoples, and called for continued efforts to counter it.

His Excellency expressed Qatar's solidarity with Burkina Faso, following the latest terrorist attacks the country suffered from.

He added that the State of Qatar's position was to reject double standards when it comes to terrorism or linking it to one religion, culture, or race. He also called on the importance of distinguishing between terrorism and the people's right to resist occupation.

His Excellency said that Muslim countries suffered from policies that antagonized Islam and Muslims, adding that Muslim countries are always accused of being behind any violent incident. He noted that the Muslim world has one of the most important factors for unity and cooperation, which is unity of faith.

HE the Speaker of the Shura Council discussed corruption and said that the State of Qatar held the conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, and called on non-members to join the organization in order to better fight corruption.

His Excellency warned that, lacking a united voice, Muslim minorities are suffering from discrimination and displacement.

He added that the State of Qatar calls for uniting the efforts of Muslims, and warns of the threat oppressing minorities could pose to international peace and security. His Excellency concluded his speech by expressing hope that the conference will play a role in uniting the Muslim world and finding a mechanism to unite Muslim minorities. He also expressed his thanks to Burkina Faso's president, government, and people for their good reception and thanked President of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso Alassane Bala Sakande, who is also the head of the current conference, along with President of the House of Representatives in Morocco Habib El Malki for his efforts in the previous conference.