Algiers: Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim emphasized Qatar’s unwavering commitment to fostering Arab solidarity and supporting the Palestinian cause. Speaking at the 38th Conference of the Arab Parliamentary Union in Algeria, he reiterated Qatar’s dedication to enhancing cooperation and consolidating international peace and security, particularly in the Arab region.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Al-Ghanim affirmed Qatar’s ongoing support for the Palestinian people, advocating for their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He underscored the significant role parliaments play in addressing political, security, and economic challenges in the Arab region, highlighting Qatar’s alignment with the Arab Parliamentary Union’s objectives.
Al-Ghanim urged global parliaments to join forces in creating a unified parliamentary front that reflects the will of the people and coordinates international initiatives. He identified challenges within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, particularly concerning the voting mechanism for emergency items. Despite receiving substantial support for proposals addressing key humanitarian issues, such as a ceasefire in Gaza, these were not adopted due to the complex voting system.
He advocated for reforming the voting system to “one vote per state,” akin to the United Nations General Assembly, to ensure fairness among member states. Al-Ghanim praised the Arab Parliamentary Union’s efforts in enhancing Arab participation in Inter-Parliamentary Union meetings and supporting Arab nominations for committee roles.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of promoting Arab talent for leadership positions within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, particularly the upcoming Secretary-General vacancy in October and the future presidency, to bolster Arab representation in international parliamentary bodies.
The 38th Conference of the Arab Parliamentary Union convenes with heads of Arab parliaments and legislative councils to deliberate on regional and international issues and strengthen joint Arab parliamentary action and diplomacy amid global changes.
