Qatari Newspapers Editorials

Doha, January 11 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers highlighted in their editorials on Wednesday Qatar's continued support to Sudan, stemming from the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and deep-rooted bilateral relations. The Qatari dailies underlined Qatar's keenness on Sudan's security and stability, and its constant support to the Sudanese people to fulfill their aspirations to economic stability and prosperity. On the other hand, the papers warned of the Israeli occupation's ongoing escalation in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, aiming to change the religious, legal and historical status quo of Jerusalem and imposing new facts. Qatari newspaper Al-Raya said that Qatar has always supported Sudan to establish peace and stability, noting the Qatari role in achieving peace in Darfur. The paper noted that Doha Document for Peace in Darfur constituted a historical turning point in the life of the Sudanese people in Darfur region who suffered the scourge of war and fighting for years until Doha presented a comprehensive agreement that guarantees peaceful coexistence and pushes the wheel of development and stability for the benefit of the brotherly Sudanese people in the region. Al-Raya stressed Qatar's keenness on Sudan's security, stability and territorial integrity. In this context, the State of Qatar issued a statement yesterday welcoming the launch of the final phase of the political process in Sudan, considering it a pivotal and important step to end the political crisis in the country. The State looked forward to continuing the dialogue between the Sudanese parties to reach a comprehensive final agreement that represents all spectrums of the brotherly Sudanese people and establishes a transitional phase that paves the way for stability, development and peace. Al-Raya said that the State of Qatar has always backed the brothers in Sudan in all phases they have been through, stemming from its belief in Sudan's vital role on the Arab, regional and international levels, stressing that the leadership, government and people of Qatar gives Sudan and its people a special importance, based on the bonds of brotherhood, deep-rooted friendship and common destiny. Meanwhile, Al-Sharq noted in its editorial the launch of the final phase of the political process in the Republic of Sudan, noting the importance of this stage which will discuss the details of the agreement and end the Sudanese political crisis that exceeded a year, up leading to the formation of a civil government that manages the transitional period and holds general elections to hand over power to an elected government. Al-Sharq pointed out that the State of Qatar welcomed the launch of the final phase of the political process in Sudan, stemming from its firm position in support of the brotherly Sudanese people. The paper pointed to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed Qatar's aspiration to continuing dialogue between the Sudanese parties to reach a comprehensive final agreement that represents all spectrums of the brotherly Sudanese people and establishes a transitional phase that paves the way for stability, development and peace. Qatari daily Al-Watan newspaper emphasized that the war waged on Al-Aqsa and the Islamic and Christian sanctities in the city of Jerusalem by the occupation continues to change and impose new religious, legal, and historical facts. The entity's aggression against Al-Aqsa relies on transitional, step-by-step progress to impose its new realities, such as the Talmudic and Biblical groups and Temple groups. These do not express the position of a particular party, but rather an expression of a systematic policy approved by successive Israeli governments. The newspaper held the occupation authorities responsible for what is happening in Al-Aqsa and the city of Jerusalem, which protect the colonizers and their leaders, including government officials. The paper considered that the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jan. 3, 2023, by a minister known for his extremism, is a serious provocation to feelings of Muslims worldwide, a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and a clear violation of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem. Al-Watan considered that the Security Council, the guarantor of international peace and security, must assume its responsibilities and take urgent actions to deter and stop the dangerous Israeli escalation, along with all other illegal and provocative measures and policies that affect the occupied city of Jerusalem and the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque. In conclusion, the newspaper said that it is clear that these extremist groups, in the presence of their incubators in the government and the security and political mini-council (the Cabinet), will not stop their plans to Judaize Al-Aqsa Mosque. For its part, the English-language newspaper The Peninsula indicated that Qatar has been seeing a steep increase in visitor footfalls over the past year after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The number of tourist arrivals reached its crescendo towards the end of the year as the fans started trooping into Doha to watch the biggest spectacle of the sporting world – the FIFA World Cup – hosted for the first time in the region. In its editorial titled "A destination for discerning travellers," the newspaper said that by most estimates, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 attracted well over a million visitors. This gave Qatar a great opportunity to showcase its attractions to people from around the world. Now, to keep the momentum gained by the World Cup, Qatar Tourism has devised many programs to attract discerning travellers to Doha. Qatar Tourism’s 2030 strategy aims to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12 percent by 2030, the paper added. The Peninsula stressed that Qatar has a great many things to offer tourists, its pristine beaches, well-maintained hotels in all different categories, cultural experiences, and various entertainment events. The paper concluded by saying that tourism is picking up globally. Travel experts are calling this phenomenon revenge tourism and Qatar is more than ready to take maximum advantage of the growing appetite of people to travel. (QNA)