Tehran, 20 Sept. 2020 (AlJazeera news)

 The United States has broken with all other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and unilaterally declared the re-imposition of all UN sanctions against Iran - a claim rejected by Iran and the international community, including Washington's close allies, as having no legal basis.

In a statement on Sunday following the expiration of a deadline set by the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened "consequences" for any UN member state that does not comply with the punitive measures, which were lifted under a landmark nuclear deal that was signed between six world powers and Iran in 2015 but was abandoned by the US more than two years ago.

In addition to adhering to a conventional arms embargo that is due to expire next month, Pompeo said member states must comply with restrictions such as the ban on Iran engaging in nuclear enrichment and reprocessing-related activities; the prohibition on ballistic missile testing and development; and sanctions on transfer of nuclear and missile-related technologies.

"If UN Member States fail to fulfill their obligations to implement these sanctions, the United States is prepared to use our domestic authorities to impose consequences for those failures and ensure that Iran does not reap the benefits of UN-prohibited activity," Pompeo said.

His statement came a month after the US officially triggered the process aimed at restoring all UN sanctions on Iran, claiming significant Iranian violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action (JCPOA), the formal name for the 2015 deal that was endorsed by the Security Council.

Despite the US in May 2018 pulling out of the deal and reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran, Washington argues it is still technically a "participant" and could trigger the so-called "snapback". This was a mechanism devised by the US negotiating team before the signing of the JCPOA that stipulated that if Iran breached its commitments, all international sanctions could snap back into place.

However, the international community, including the four other permanent Security Council members, insist the US no longer has the legal ability to force through any changes since it announced its exit from what Trump has branded "the worst deal ever" with a presidential memorandum titled Ceasing US Participation in the JCPOA.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addressed the nation directly in a live televised cabinet meeting on Sunday. He congratulated world powers since US pressure to reinstate UN sanctions "has reached its definitive point of failure". Today, he said, "will be a memorable day in the history of our country's diplomacy".

Rouhani added should the US try to "bully" others into adhering to its declaration of reinstating UN sanctions, Iran will have a "decisive response" to match.

Pointing out how the US tried to garner the support of other nuclear deal signatories following its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Rouhani said the United States expected Iran to act irrationally, giving it an excuse to form an international coalition against the Islamic Republic.

"Today we can say the 'maximum pressure' of US against the Iranian nation, politically and legally, has turned to 'maximum isolation' for the US."

The president also addressed the five remaining signatories of the nuclear deal, reiterating the promise that if they fully adhere to their commitments under the accord, Iran will also fully implement its commitments.

Exactly one year after the US abandoned the nuclear deal, Iran started gradually scaling down its commitments, including those concerning its stockpile of enriched uranium. Iran still continues to grant access to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a letter to the Security Council, the European signatories to the deal - Britain, France and Germany, or E3 - stressed UN sanctions relief for Iran would continue, adding any decision or action to reimpose them "would be incapable of legal effect".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also told the council he would not take any action on the US declaration because "there would appear to be uncertainty whether or not any process ... was indeed initiated".

On Sunday morning, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters the US is experiencing some of its "most bitter" times as it has chosen to stand "on the wrong side of history".

"The message of Tehran for Washington is clear: Return to the international community. Return to your commitments. Stop this rogue and unruly behaviour. The international community will accept you," Khatibzadeh said.

Ankara, Turkey, 20 Sept 2020 (Anadolu News)

Criticizing the UN’s belated response to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey’s president said on Monday that “the UN failed once again.”

“The United Nations, which acknowledged the existence of the [coronavirus] pandemic weeks later, did not show any presence in terms of taking the necessary measures to combat the pandemic or meeting the needs,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, recounting the early days of the outbreak.

“The UN, which failed at every front from Syria to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, to developments in volatile regions such as Africa and South America, has failed once again during the pandemic,” he added.

On the eve of the UN’s 75th meeting, the Turkish president went on to say: “At a time when Turkey alone is sending medical supplies to 146 countries, the ineffectiveness of the UN was established once more.”

He underlined that since the start of the pandemic, Turkey has been among the countries that were cited globally in terms of both measures taken and services provided to patients.

Recalling eight vaccination development programs for COVID-19, he said Turkey is planning to make these available for public use by the the first few months of next year.

The world's largest annual diplomatic event, the UN General Assembly (UNGA), will take place this year in an unprecedented fashion as world leaders for the first time will gather virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the virus may distract attention from other topics on the agenda, world leaders and representatives are expected to address climate change, racism, intolerance, inequality, poverty, hunger, and armed conflict.

Eastern Mediterranean

Pointing to recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, he said: “Those who have been trying to ignore Turkey, impose their theses and maps in the Eastern Mediterranean, are [now] approaching the negotiating table.”

“Those who turn their backs on historical facts, international conventions, customs, and visible truths for the sake of protecting the interests of a few countries on the Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean issue, will have nothing to say to the world,” he added.

“Those who try to upset the balance of the region and the world just because of their hostility to Turkey are digging their own grave.

“We are resolutely continuing our operations to secure our southern borders,” he added.

Greece has disputed Turkey's energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, trying to box in Turkish maritime territory based on small islands near the Turkish coast.

Turkey – the country with the longest coastline on the Mediterranean – has sent out drill ships to explore for energy on its continental shelf, saying that both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have rights in the region.

To reduce tensions, Turkey has consistently called for dialogue to ensure the fair sharing of the region’s resources.

Islamabad, 20 Sept. 2020 (Misc. Media Reports)

‘Pakistan Democratic Movement’, an alliance of opposition parties in Pakistan including main stream parties Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has demanded immediate resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan and holding of free and fair elections in the country,  He said that a failure to do so will result in the joint opposition announcing country-wide protests that will include the participation of lawyers, traders, labourers, farmers, civil society, and the people in general.

"In the first phase, beginning October, rallies will be held in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.

"In the second phase, starting December, huge demonstrations will take country-wide.

In the third phase, to begin in January next year, a long-march will move towards Islamabad," Fazl said.

"To oust the selected government, the joint opposition will use all tactics, including a vote of no confidence and resignations from the parliament."

All Parties Conference (APC) was held this morning in Islamabad was addressed by three times elected former Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif; former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari; PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif; PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other leaders.

The conference was held to devise a joint strategy to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government since responsible for prevailing crisis in country, weak economy as threat for the country's survival and sovereignty.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) at the end of the APC, announced 26 points charter of demands on Sunday night at a press conference.

The joint declaration named the opposition alliance as "Pakistan Democratic Movement", which will organise countrywide protest to get rid of incumbent government.

It has also rejected any attempt to introduce presidential form of government in the country and pledged to strengthen parliamentary system of the country.

He also called upon the government to lower the prices of essential commodities and provide relief to the masses.

APC demanded immediate release of all political prisoners and journalists, as APC feels are detained on fake charges.

The resolution also claimed that “incompetent rulers” have jeopardised the multi-billion dollar CPEC initiative and slowed down the speed of its projects.

It has also expressed concern over the rising incident of terrorism, blaming the government for not implementing on National Action Plan (NAP), which was formulated following the deadly APS attack in 2014.

The joint statement also called upon the authorities to ensure transparent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Three times elected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif through video link from UK in his video address said that "Our foremost priority should be removing this selected government and this system, Our struggle is not (only) against Imran Khan'.

The speech marked the deposed prime minister's political comeback after more than a year. He has been in the UK since November last year for medical treatment.

He thanked former president and PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and all the opposition leaders for providing him with an opportunity to address people of his country.  He said that although, he is living outside the country, but was well aware of the circumstances and hardships country is going through.

"I perceive this conference as a turning point for the country where we can make major decisions for the country with bravery," Nawaz said, adding that it was an opportunity to make important decisions as those pinning hopes to them would otherwise be disappointed.

"I am speaking from my experience of serving this country; the soul of democracy is when people are allowed to bring their opinions forward. According to the law, our democratic system relies on the opinions and say of the people.

He said "The democratic systems around the world follow the same principle. When public votes are not respected and the verdict is decided even before the elections, then we can guess how the people of this country are deceived and dodged.

"Unfortunately, Pakistan has been the laboratory for such experiments. It's not even taken into account that the democratic structure of the country is demolished due to such tactics and the public loses faith in the system.

"During the 73-long history of Pakistan, everybody knows that no democratic leader could complete their tenure in the country whereas the dictators ruled the country and completed their tenure," the PML-N supremo underlined.

“The people who followed the laws were put in jail. It is not a new thing in Pakistan that dictators are always set free and are not held accountable for whatever they do,” Nawaz said, referring to the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

The PML-N founder also said the "root cause" of Pakistan's problems was a "state above the state" kind of a situation in the country. Reiterating the opposition’s claims of elections not being fair, he said the PTI regime "would not have come to power in the first place had these elections were not rigged”.

“Rigging elections is unconstitutional and robbery of people's rights. It is a serious crime. I want to ask a question today. Why RTS (Result Transmission System) was shut for hours during the election.

"The former chief election commissioner and secretary will have to answer all these questions.”

Commenting on the foreign policy, the former premier maintained that country’s "good reputation in the international community is ruined because of the current policies and incapable regime”.

"It is because of this puppet government that India annexed Kashmir,” Nawaz said. “Why is the world not ready to listen to us today?

"Why are we alone,” he asked, adding that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made statements that disappointed Saudi Arabia. “We must strengthen the OIC,” Nawaz asserted, referring to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The PML-N leader also lambasted the PTI government over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the multi-billion dollar project backed by China was being treated like BRT Peshawar.

Maintaining that it was imperative to scrutinise the role of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the former premier said the watchdog's boss, Justice (r) Javed Iqbal was caught misusing his position but no action was taken against him.

"Soon, a day will come when everyone would be held accountable.”

"Imran Khan himself is involved in increasing the price of sugar in the country,” the PLM-N supremo alleged. "Will the NAB arrest him,” Nawaz asked.

He said 'Pakistan has become a laboratory of such experiments,' while adding that Every child knows that no prime minister has been allowed to complete five years in power.

In his concluding remarks, he said that "We have to decide that we are one and if the APC is succeeded in doing so, then this conference is successful.”

Former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari criticised the government over what he called were tactics to suppress the opposition and media.

JUI Chief, Maulana Fazal U Rahman addressing at a press conference after APC announcing the 26 points joint communique said that PTI-led government is involved in the abrogation of special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “This government has also failed to formulate an Aghan policy,” he added.

PMLN President, Shehbaz Sharif said that the opposition had no option but to arrive at these decisions as the incumbent government was "selected" and could not handle the country's affairs, including the situation in Kashmir and the coronavirus crisis.

"The country's future is at stake if the government continues its regime," he said.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the opposition is headed towards its "mission" under the guidance and support of the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP chairman Asif Zardari.

He stressed on the need for multiparty conference to come up with a proper plan of action for gaining freedom for the people. He demanded that the opposition be given a level-playing field  not only in politics and media but in parliament as well.

He urged the opposition to unite and launch a movement similar to the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) in the past. "We are standing with the decision this forum takes and are willing to fight till our last breath," he said.

The PPP chairman said the leader of the movement has not yet been decided. He said that the movement would struggle not only against the government but also "the ones who brought it into power".

19 Sept. 2020 (WHO)

There have been 30,369,778 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 188 countries, and 948,795 deaths, reported by World Health Organization on 19th Sept. 2020. Around 20.3m are recovered worldwide

As of 19 September 2020, following are region wise  confirmed positive coronavirus patients :

Region                                       Positive               Deaths

Americas                                     15,333,470               524,527       

Washington, 14 Sept. 2020 (QNA)

3rd Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue began today  in Washington chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in his opening speech said that the holding of the third session of the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue is a demonstration of the flourishing relations between the two countries, enabled by the mutual commitment between Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the US President Donald Trump that emphasizes broad areas of cooperation as well as the close friendship between the two countries.  He said that the very important development in Afghanistan is the latest example of the close interaction between our two countries at the political level.

He said: "We, in this third session of the strategic dialogue, are not only strengthening the existing economic, military and security cooperation between us, but also expanding it to include other equally important areas such as education, culture and development. 'Today's meeting represents another important milestone in historically deep relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America'. He pointed out that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Qatar US 2021 Year of Culture, and the Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development and Qatar's support to Fulbright scholarships, reflect the range and the depth of joint ties and underscores Qatar's continued constructive engagement despite the unique regional challenges that our country has successfully managed during the past three years.

He said that "In addition to our support for many US states and cities in their efforts to deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the broad range of cooperation demonstrated here at the strategic dialogue makes clear Qatar's strong affinity with the American people. Qatar views the United States not simply as a partner but as an ally and friend. He said that strong commercial partnership between both countries is witnessed from Qatar's investment of over $200 billion in the US economy, and the United States has been an integral investor in Qatar and Qatar's development. This investment translates into tens of thousands of jobs and life-changing opportunities for our people. We look forward to expanding these relations, through upcoming trade and investment promotion events. He pointed out that these events will include a roadshow in 2021 involving multiple delegations to several US cities to explore partnerships in technology, investment, energy, and other areas.

He said that  "We are also looking forward to our upcoming discussions on issues of common interest and reaffirm our commitment to deepen the partnership in areas that also include joint political and regional interests. We will also discuss a range of defense and security issues, including shared interests, opportunities for regional cooperation, mechanisms for the defeat of malign threats arrayed against us. He affirmed that Qatar and the US agree that such threats come among the biggest challenges facing today the two sides' common vision to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region in general.

He said that Qatar and the US will continue to strengthen coordination and enhance cooperation as per international law and security standards  to neutralize the threat of terrorism greatly contribute to making the world safer. Referring to recently hosting of Intra-Afghan negotiations in Qatar, he commended the efforts of Secretary Mike Pampeo for bringing peace in Afghanistan as well as towards achieving peace in the Middle East as a whole. He expressed Qatar's praise of the US' firm commitment to peace in the region and expressed Qatar's happiness for the continuing close cooperation between the two countries to achieve this important goal.

His Excellency considered that the very important Afghanistan development is the latest example of the close interaction between our two countries at the political level. He added that they face issues that are not only important to the two countries, but also to the broader stability of the Middle East and neighboring regions.

He said that despite regional challenges including ongoing blockade against Qatar, cooperation between the two countries is strengthened since first Qatari-US strategic dialogue held in Jan. 2018. He thanked US for supporting to Kuwaiti mediation in lifting blockade by keeping respect for the sovereignty of Qatar. He said that Qatar's foreign policy is based on values of peace, stability and prosperity, which took Qatar as resilient as well as has strengthened its relations with the international community to unprecedented levels.

In his concluding remarks, he announced  hosting of fourth strategic dialogue session next year in Doha.

Beijing, 14 Sept. 2020 (Xinhua0)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday China and the European Union (EU) should adhere to peaceful coexistence, openness and cooperation, multilateralism, as well as dialogue and consultation for the sound and stable development of their relations.

Xi made the remarks when co-hosting a China-Germany-EU leaders' meeting in Beijing via video link with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating changes unseen in a century, and mankind is standing at a new crossroad, Xi called on China and the EU to unswervingly promote the sound and stable development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Enditem

Doha, 14 Sept 2020

The number of Metrash2 users has exceeded 2 Million since its launch, while the transactions completed since the beginning of this year have reached 5.5M transactions, and the total number of inquiries about the services provided in the application exceeded 9 million inquiries.

Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar On-line services provided to the public through electronic systems - Metrash2 App provides vast number of fast services in completing transactions to the nationals, residents and the companies without visiting MOI Service Centers.

Brig. Abdul Rahman Ali Al-Farahid Al-Maliki, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate of Information Systems, said that the number of services provided through Metrash2 reached more than 215 services for the public and companies. The statistics showed that the services most used for the current year are registration of the national address, renewal of residency, payment traffic fines, renewing the vehicle's license, extension of the visas.

He pointed out that the most prominent new services in the application included reporting criminal complaints, replacement of vehicle plates, vehicle cancellation, employee travel notification list, which would assist the public in completing these services without visiting service centers. He said that the development works are ongoing on the App. and the future services will include registration of sailing, checks complaints, issuance of residence with a birth certificate, renewal of temporary driving licenses, renewal of a driving permit under training, vehicle mortgage, criminal complaints in police stations, and exceptional request to extend visa.

Brig. Al-Maliki added that Metrash 2 service is made available to work on all types of smart phones and devices to serve citizens, residents, companies and institutions around the clock without interruption from anywhere and at any time. Users can pay the service fees directly without the need to visit the Ministry's departments, which saves time and effort. These features have accelerated the availability of the services, in order to achieve the strategy of the Ministry of Interior and contribute to the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030.

He stated that earlier, in response to requests from the subscribers and beneficiaries of Metrash2, the payment of service fees was activated using debit cards in addition to credit cards and direct debit from bank account (for companies) available in previous versions.

Metrash2 allows authorized persons from governmental and semi-government institutions and companies the facility to review all electronic transactions that were made through Metrash2 and review the processes that were implemented within 30 days prior to the date of the inquiry and the procedures that were performed in person, in addition to the facility to review all the procedures that were made through PROs, he added.

Metrash2 also includes registration service for the alerts and SMS service (Metrash) that enable individuals, institutions and companies receive alerts related to official documents and make inquiries. The registration in the SMS service (Metrash) for individuals, institutions and companies is permanently available on the website of the Ministry of Interior.

The concerned authorities invite all the seekers of the Ministry of Interior's services to activate Metrash2 application to save time and effort in completing their services and transactions, especially in light of the precautionary measures announced by the state to prevent Coronavirus.

Doha, 12 Sept. 2020

As part of the efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Afghanistan, landmark Afghan peace negotiations launched in Doha in the morning of Saturday, 12 September 2020 at Doha Sheraton Hotel.

Following the US-Taliban Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan signed in February in Doha, start of direct negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban is a historic first step towards the resolution of decades-long conflict. Several goals for achieving peace in Afghanistan were discussed, including the road to a permanent cease-fire and a framework for Afghan reconstruction efforts.

21 members of Afghan government delegation headed by Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, 21 members delegation of of the Taleban movement headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and members of Afghan Civil Society will be participating in intra-Afghan  negotiations.

Inaugural session of the Afghanistan Peace Negotiations was opened with the key-note speech of Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of State of Qatar, among other key-note speakers on the occasion were US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Abdullah Abdullah, Chairperson, Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation; and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Co-founder of Taleban Movement.

In addition, around 14 world dignitaries addressed via webinar at the inaugural session of the Afghan Peace Negotiations included Eriksen Soreide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway; Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan; Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China; Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Indonesia; Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan; Mevlut Cavusoglu,  Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey; Heiko Mass, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany; Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of Republic of India; Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain; Suzuki Keisuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; HE Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Qatar has been playing significant role in bringing peace in Afghanistan. Following are main contribitions from Qatar side :

• Prior to today’s Afghanistan Peace Negotiations, Qatar has spent years providing support to facilitate, mediate and host successful peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan.
• Qatar strongly believes in the power of diplomacy and dialogue. Qatar has brought to the table a long experience of mediating a number of conflicts successfully, including in Lebanon, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. Qatar will spare no efforts to continue to support the peace process in Afghanistan if needed.
• Qatar hosted direct talks between the US and the Taliban which culminated in February 2020 with the signing of a peace agreement in Qatar between the United States and Taliban. This was an important step towards sustainable peace in Afghanistan and led to the current peace negotiations.
• As Secretary Pompeo said at the time, Qatar has been an “enormously important partner”.
• Qatar also hosted the first Intra-Afghan Conference for Peace, co-sponsored with Germany, in July 2019 to complement the US-Taliban talks. The meeting included Afghan women and civil society for the first time, highlighting the importance of including Afghanistan’s women in the process.
• Qatar’s support goes beyond just mediation. We will work with Afghanistan as it heals from one of the longest conflicts in modern history. We will provide developmental aid and expertise, in addition to strengthening bilateral ties.
• The February peace agreement, along with the current negotiations, would not have been possible without the political will of all parties involved. We thank them for their commitment and efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.
• The State of Qatar congratulates the people of Afghanistan on this historic milestone. We wish them continuous peace and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani said in his opening remarks, "History has taught us over and over that using military force can never resolve the conflict in Afghanistan. The only way to do so is through adopting an immediate and permanent cease fire and paving the way for a constructive dialogue through negotiations to achieve acomprehensive political settlement across all spectrums in Afghanistan".

He said that negotiation teams are also participating in discussions surrounding Afghan women and civil society, the future of human rights protections and democracy in Afghanistan. Their commitment to discuss key substantive issues provides evidence that the country can continue to move closer to a political
settlement for the safety and stability of future generations.

He said that the cooperation of all parties and international partners has played an important role in the success of holding these negotiations, and the State of Qatar will continue its role as an impartial and reliable international mediator to establish stability in the region.

Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State thanked Qatar for it's amazing longstanding support for this effott. He said ' We would not be at this moment without all the work you (Qatar) and your team have done. Bless you for that'. He said that “I would urge each of you to engage the representatives of all Afghan communities, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, and the victims of your country’s long war.”

He said that “These historic negotiations should produce a political arrangement that accommodates competing views and rejects the use of violence to achieve political aims.”

“Our hope – our hope is that you will reach a sustainable peace and our goal is an enduring partnership with Afghanistan.” He said that ' I join you in savouring this moment of Hope. We should all be proud of this very moment".

Dr Abdullah Abdullah thanked and said that 'My heartful thanks goes to the brotherly State of Qatar for organizing and hosting today's event. He said that we have come to this country to achieve dignified and lasting peace.' He said that “I can tell you with confidence that the history of our country will welcome and remember today as the end of the war and suffering of our people.” We have come here with good will and intentions to stop 40 years of bloodshed and to achieve a country-wide and lasting peace.

If we bring lasting and dignified peace, protect our country’s independence, freedom and sovereignty and consolidate an Islamic constitutional base and inclusive system, that preserves the rights of all people, including men, women, minorities and victims of war, then both sides will be the peace heroes.” "We want all the people of Afghanistan to be reunited again under one roof after 42 years of imposed upheavals, aggression, jihad and resistance.”

“We now need to grasp this unique opportunity to move toward a new future that we can define together.” “Once again, our heartfelt appreciation to the brotherly State of Qatar and our international friends who have stood by our people over the years. We look forward to your partnership and contribution as we move forward to turn peace and stability into a sustainable reality.”

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar thanked leadership of State of Qatar and it's people, other countries  for their support in bringing peace.

He said that “The negotiation process may have problems, but the negotiations should move forward with patience. We will continue the Afghan peace negotiations, and try for peace and tranquillity, and we want to assure the world that they also pay attention to our peace negotiations to be successful. He said that "We want Afghanistan to have an Islamic system in which all citizens of the country see themselves in a brotherly manner.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan lauded the role of all the parties in reaching to the successful launching of Intra-Afghan negotiations. He mentioned about Pakistan's sufferings and of sacrifices during long 19 years of war in neighboring Afghanistan and it's severe impact on the lives of people of Pakistan, economy, security, large internal displacement of people, tens of thousands of defense forces sacrifices. He paid his gratitude to the leadership of Qatar for facilitating and supporting towards bringing peace in the region.

Doha, 12 Sept.2020

Intra-Afghan dialogue as per Doha agreement of February 2020 between Taleban and United States will take place in Doha from Saturday 13th September. Landmark Doha agreement of February 2020 guarantees withdrawal of US troops  from Afghanistan against security from the Taliban.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar announced on Thursday in a statement after clearing of final hurdle of six Taleban prisoners brought to Doha on Thursday. The announcement said "The State of Qatar is pleased to announce that the Afghanistan Peace Negotiations will commence in Doha on Saturday the 12th of September 2020. These vitally important direct negotiations between the different Afghan parties represent a step forward in bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan."

21 members delegation of Afghan government led by Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, former Spy Master and Security Advisor to Afghan President; 21 members delegation of Afghan Taleban will take part in the historical dialogues taking place at Doha Hotel Sheraton on Saturday morning.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo,  Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Afghanistan, Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be among the guests at the opening ceremony.

Doha, 05 September 2020

Pakistani community paid homage and tributes to Martyrs and Ghazis of Pakistan Armed Forces on Defense Day of Pakistan, on  their tremendous sacrifices and bravery in protecting sovereignty of Pakistan and for the safety and security of the people.

On behalf of Pakistanis living in Qatar, a  number of prominent Pakistani community members from various sectors joined hands at a simple and graceful evening by keeping precautionary measures per official directions in regards to Covid-19 at a dinner hosted by prominent personality Rana Anwer Ali, fame MeetwithRana and former Chairman Sohni Dharti, community forum AlKhor Community.

Dinner was arranged at Pakistani fine dinning restaurant PISTACHIO.

Saif U Rahman, fame Urdu Radio Qatar along with the participants prayed  for blessings and best of rewards of AlMighty Allah, The Creator for martyrs and Ghazis who sacrificed in defense of the motherland and protecting Pakistan's sovereignty.

Mahboob Khaled on the occasion said that war is not win by armed forces only, it is the strength, unity, enthusiasm and rejuvenates of the entire nation which win the war. He stressed on the Unity and keeping strongly strength of Eeman.

A cake cutting ceremony was held led by Mahboob Khaled; Rana Anwer Ali; Hafeez Ullah; Baber Malik; Saif U Rahman; Ashraf Siddiqui; Adeel Akbar, General Secretary Pak Arts Society; Engineer Javed Iqbal, President Pakistan Engineers Forum; Shoib Abdul Sattar Baloch, Pakistan Welfare Forum; Atiq U Rashid, Sr. Vice President, Pakistan Association Qatar; Khaled Bhatti, Halqa e Ahbab Qatar; Qaiser Anwar, Pakistan Professional Forum and Ghulam Nabi, President, Professional Toastmasters Club, Qatar.

Host Rana Anwer Ali and Banker Hafeez Ullah paid thanks to all the guests for joining at  the dinner and Cake Cutting ceremony.

To mark Defense Day of Pakistan, in afterno0n of Sunday, Ammer Saeed Khan, Board member Pakistan Business Council, an innovative entrepreneur  and CEO Pak Souq, online portal arranged a Cake Cutting ceremony to pay homage to the Martyrs and Ghazis of Armed Forces of Pakistan. t was attended by prominent Pakistani community members including Saleem Baloch, Chairman Sohni Dharti, AlKhor Community; Janan Bangash, Representative Pakistani Community MOI, Qatar; Engineer Javed Iqbal, President Pakistan Engineers Forum; Malik Arshad (early Pakistani family), Ashraf Siddiqui and Ayesha Wadood.

Aamer Saeed Khan and renowned melodious singer Jamshed Bajwa led the Cake Cutting ceremony.