Qatar urges Syria to stop violence and start reforms

Qatar appealed to Syria here Wednesday to stop using force on its citizens and speed up the process of implementing reforms to usher in stability, security and national unity. Urging the Syrian regime to respond to the legitimate demands of its people, Acting Charge d''Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations Office, Khalid Fahad Al Hajri told the council''s 17th session, "Dialogue with the people demanding reforms is the only way to resolve the crisis." Al Hajri said this in his address to the Human Rights Council which today discussed the current situation of the people in Syria. Expressing his grief at the number of casualties of innocent civilians, he said it was the duty of the state to protect its citizens and ensure that they have the right to life, liberty and security. The need to provide the necessary legal protection for civilians, especially children, women and the infirm was critical and added that all efforts to incite sectarianism should be refrained. Al Hajri reminded the need to respect international laws on human rights as well the right of freedom of expression of the people and peaceful protests in accordance with the laws. Qatar supported the convening of this special session in view of the human rights violations and the rise in the number of victims in Syria. Earlier this month, the Council of Ministers in the State of Qatar had issued a statement, expressing their deep concern on the turn of events Syria.