Qatar expressed its total rejection of any measures calling for the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stressing the special importance of Jerusalem to all Arabs and Muslims.

The country added that the legal and historical situation in Jerusalem must be respected and any repercussions that cannot be contained must be avoided, reported Gulf Times.

Qatar had earlier asked USA to desist from moving the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Qatar reminded the USA that the legal and historical situation of Jerusalem must be respected and called for avoidance of any measures that can lead to unpleasant repercussions. It also warned of serious consequences such a step could have on security and stability in the Middle East, reported Qatar Tribune.
Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia bint Ahmed bin Saif al Thani made the statements at a meeting held by the United Nations General Assembly on ‘a Culture of Peace’ programme.

“Since we’re discussing the culture of peace and we’re in the midst of developments in the Middle East, achieving peace requires us to emphasise the importance of avoiding any actions that contradict this lofty goal, namely the sustainable peace that the world needs today more than ever before. With regard to the Middle East and without resolving the Palestinian issue, peace in the region will remain an elusive goal,” she said.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and discussed with him the implications of the unilateral US decision, reported The Peninsula.

During the call, he affirmed Qatar’s rejection of any measures calling for the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.