Transcripts For CSPAN Qatari 20240705

The Prime Minister of cutter on the israelhamas war. Live coverage here at cspan2. His ex was a serve as a since march 2023 also retaining his position as foreign minister which is held for eight years now beginning in january 2016. The Prime Minister is not all around the world for his leadership in conflict mediation and he has remarkable track record of success. In just the last few months the Prime Minister has helped secure the release of 100 israel hostages, the delivery of aid to gaza, mediated u. S. Iran president exchange, facilitated the release of ten american hostages in venezuela, and negotiated the release of ukrainian children from russia, among other accomplishments. As the middle east is has pld into renewed conflict following hamas october 7 terrorist attack on israel, concerns of escalation are growing. Hezbollah in lebanon, shia she militias in iraq in syria, the houthis in yemen all represent potential drivers a further escalation. It is against this background we come together today and recognize the Prime Ministers position, his countries position as a key ally of the United States and role as a pivotal mediator in the region, a position that is more crucial than ever. Your excellency, it is a privilege to welcome you to the Atlantic Council. We are fortunate to be joined today by two leading journalists, david ignatius, Washington Post associate Editor Foreign Affairs columnist and author of 11 novels. Andrea mitchell, chief washington correspondent and chief Foreign Affairs correspondent for nbc news and host of msnbc is Andrea Mitchell reports. Mr. Prime minister, there are no too better journalists and no more qualified journalist to join you in conversation. So thank you for taking the time to join us, and with that i will turn over to you, david and andrea. Thank you very much, fred. My thanks to the Atlantic Council. Thank you, Sheikh Mohammed for coming and taking questions after long weekend of negotiations in paris. We know that you are in paris with the representatives from the United States, egypt and israel, all focusing on the release of the hostages. But theres a plan, a framework that you will agree to this weekend to release the hostages in agreement with a phased pause in the fighting, women and children first, and to continue this in phases as you proceed with aid going in as well. This is being presented as a understand now to hamas. In the past theyve insisted on an immediate permanent ceasefire before any hostages can be released. Do you think theres a chance they might agree to this, are with their veto be a dealbreaker . First, i would like to thank you forgive me this opportunity to speak your today at the Atlantic Council and to be with both of you here and david. Actually, i think that right now i would describe the progress that we are making in the last couple weeks is where in a much better place than when we were a few weeks ago. We have seen that the whole process is working in november with the release of hostages and, unfortunately, this process has fallen apart at that time. The increase of the war made it more complex as you have highlighted, that there was a clear demand of a permanent ceasefire and of the negotiations which i believe that we moved from that place to place where potential might lead to a ceasefire permanently in the future. And this is what we are all aiming for. Because weve seen all sort of suffering of the people in gaza and we seen all the destruction. Now, our negotiators are trying our best to get the go should solution where they can bring the hostages safely back to their homes, has also stopping the bombing in gaza and cessation of killing of civilians. We see number increasing dramatically, and i mean, what i think that we are seeing not resulting, is not getting in result to get the hostages back, but the process is the one which is getting them back. Now, on what you have, andrea, i dont know where to get all the details on proposal and a framework, but i can say you are well informed. [laughing] we have i think yesterday was Good Progress made to get things back in shape and to at least to lay a foundation for the way forward. We cannot say that this make is in better shape very soon but were hoping actually to get them to a place where they engage constructively in the process. Because we think that in todays world i think that that would be the only way to get the situation and we hope that both parties are take this opportunity to get of course, to make the war stop but also to get the hostages back. Let me ask you as a followup, whether if the United States retaliates against iran for the attack in jordan that killed at least three american soldiers and thousands more injured, if that were to happen to you think that would scuttle the deal . First of all, andrea, i express my condolences today to the secretary for the loss of their three soldiers, and were hoping that spitted to secretary blinken. To secretary blinken, yeah. Soldiers recover soon and, of course, the attack that happened in jordan will keep also undermining their force of coalition on to isis is that something that can be acceptable. Actually what we been wanting from is we been wanted wy one that this war has the potential of expanding and spill over into region, and were seeing this movie got unfortunately in the last three months and a half. I hope that nothing would undermine what we are doing what jeopardize the process, yet it will definitely have an impact one way or another will have an impact on the region of security. And we hope that things will get contained and not get the honor control. Sheikh mohammed, you said earlier it at your to andrea has question that youre waiting for an answer from hamas, to this question of whether theyre willing to accept prolonged pause infighting but not a permanent end of the war, which israel is i understand is not ready to offer. What if hamas says in no . Whats plan b here . Because a situation as you know better than anyone on the ground in gaza is horrific. Well, i think that, david, first, putting an end for this war now, its becoming not only a demand of the people, in the region, getting the others. We have seen the number of victims. We cannot punish an entire population for an act of small group. Now, what would be the plan as an alternative for the steel we have to see another way for, for another was to get to a breakthrough where we can get together. We cannot, we are an intermediary party here. We are not party of this conflict, and were trying our best to bridge the gap as a framework yesterday being agreed upon with all the parties was a framework based on whats israelis and proposal from hamas and we try to blend things together to come up with some source of region granda brings anybody together. Now, we dont know and we cannot predict what hamas respond will be and we are sure that will be faced with some challenges and obstacles, but, it is not an easy process since we impart since day one in the war, but we are committed to continue to Carry Forward and to come up with some solution that provide if they say no, are you prepared to pressure them . You have a lot of leverage on hamas. David, this is actually, this point that your phrase, i been hearing this a lot about the leverage and the pressure, that qatari needs to be understand clued in this context. Our role as mediator, we try to bring the parties to bridge the gaps between them, pressuring them, brushing both of them by work, by meeting, by commitment, by addressing the issues with some solutions. Thats the pressure on bridge. Beyond this leverage, we dont see that qatari is to overpower that can impose something on this party or the other party to bring them to that place. Basically, were using our good offices to connect, to bridge gaps, to put solutions, to come up with some alternatives. Thats what cut or has as an ability. In this way has worked, has worked previously in the process, has worked in process between u. S. And iran. Has worked in process between u. S. And taliban and has been working with russia and ukraine children. So thats the way that qatari is operating. Sheikh mohammed, israel has today released evidence supporting its claim that at least 12 employees of the u. N. Relief agency, unrwa, had participated or supported the october 7 massacre, and evidence is compelling enough that u. N. Fired them, that the United States and of the countries have cut off funding temporarily while it is being investigated. Doesnt this validate israels claim against the u. N. , which secondly knesset is the only game in town for getting aid in . Unit, the implications are that there will be to get the agent which is so critical for the cozzens, the palestinians, the civilians, and critical for the hostages. Actually, the role of the u. N. Is very important in that front. We have been seeing the suffering that they have been facing with funding. Thats happened to them. Not only but given the shortage in funding thats happened to them in the last few years. Its the only agency that can provide help and aid for those. There are claims again some of the stuff, as i recall, stuff has been involved in this. This agency needs be investigated. Others need to take the measures according to the chart above cannot be punished because of the act of some employees as long as they are complying with speedy including kidnapping and woman . According to the allegation. Well, no. None of the first fallout we dont know about the allegation yet. Investigation has not come out yet. Its a behavioral, individual or a group, Smaller Group of people among tens of thousands who are working, cannot be like the way to label the entire agency as all adopting such act. We believe in the importance of the u. N. We believe in the importance of unrwa as an agency, and we believe also we have confidence they will follow what their roles are, or having them to follow. I mean, they are taking all the measures. They are investigating and they fired them this morning, so this is at least they are doing the part as an agency, but it cannot be for the entire agency. The nucleus Party Agreement this, did israel agree to accelerate the aid deliveries which would be through the u. N. . Actually, look, unfortunately, if this is something that we have been seeing. Thats, you know, its not a way to use to mention a as a pressure on the people from starvation. Weve seen the suffering that they are going through is something on president weve never seen before in any conflict. And just let us picture this. The only conflict zone with the people have nowhere to go, have no shelters. Even with the safe zones that they been advocating for them since the start of the conflict, they have been bombed in those safe quarters come in the safe zones and there are no less safe place for them. This should at least be a part of any deal yet, fortunate it is being used as a bargaining chip only. Sheikh mohammed, as you said at the outset, we are on the edge of a much wider war that could involve the United States, iran proxies, maybe even iran. So want to ask you to my questions. First, after this attack that killed three americans in northern jordan, is qatari prepared to condemn the attack as something that is wrong . Well, actually i just mentioned that, we condemn any act that try to, first of all, to undermine the security and stability of the region, estranging the security of a a country like jordan, or even killing soldiers were part of a coalition that we are a member. So whats not something can be acceptable. Yet, we are saying that in order to get and to rescue the region from being going through like more and more suffering, through more escalation, find a solution and put an whats happening. Thats a key thing. So you for favored at every stage mediation, diplomacy and deescalation. I want to ask you if you are playing any media or a roll now with the houthis, and what messages the work of is to iran with which you have good relations. While well actually, theo mediation, i roll were playing with the houthis right now, but we are in continuous conversation with iran about the region and escalation. Were continuing in conversation with other speedy what do you say to iran . That we would like them links and relation all the forces, not to get the situation out of control as you just mentioned about the houthis, whats happening with the trade, international trade, something affecting all of us, freedom of navigation, something very important for my country, for the entire region, for the world. And something unacceptable to be messed up with. Yet, we are saying that the situation is born appear, and everyone unfortunately is as weve seen what happened yesterday with the attack and telling the americans is the result of being, trying to do some operations here and there, to undermine the region of security or to ensure some pressure with the killing of the soldiers. In leaked audio on Israel Channel 12, Prime Minister netanyahu you can be heard criticizing your country, criticizing how to pick he says, i dont think qatari for the previous hostage releases. Why . Because of me qatari is essentially no different from the u. N. It is essentially no different from the red cross and in a way it is even more problematic. Does that make it harder for you to deal with israel as you did with israel this weekend in pairs . Well, honestly, andrea, i dont want to comment on such a statement. And were not expecting thanks from them or from anyone. We understand our role. We believe its important. We have been very honest from the beginning. We have been very transparent with everyone, and our role as proven that, is getting results and not just putting out some statements or exploitation. And being similar to the u. N. After the Red Cross Organization so we are among them. Prime minister has also said that hes against a palestinian state and that his goal is to eliminate hamas leadership and its fighters as part of his military campaign. Do you think that is possible without jeopardizing the lives of the hostages . Well, first of all, the only way forward for us to have a peaceful region is thats what carter stood for. Thats what we are leaving. So we believe the entire region has. The twostate solution well, of course, need like partners on the other side. If we see a leader on the israeli side who is opposing such a solution, and whats the alternative . Welcome he would ask you how can we live side by side with people who are dedicated to our elimination works so can they be a twostate solution as long as hamas is in gaza . Well, its not where hamas, the obstacles of twostate solution that can we didnt see anything in committed from there. In 2001 when our Peace Initiative was present, did israel agree to at least engage in a process at that time was, or the israeli government. I think that is not opposing the twostate solution. Its that something that happened since seventh of october. It was happening before that took place. So for us as arabic countries, as my country we are country which believes in peace. We support the palestinian cause. We support to make People Living sidebyside together. When we have seen hope in the 90s after madrid and also, qatari was a first country in the goal that opened up office, trade office and we had negotiation at that time. Entree relation at that time. Yet, weve seen that the other party for peace wasnt serious at the time. Thats when qatari decided just to close down this channel and just keep the ongoing working channel. But getting back to hamas, hamas is dedicated to eliminating israel. So doesnt hamas had to be out of gaza before they can be peaceful coexistence . Well, look, i i want, you , this dedication of eliminating israel, we know that now the only way forward is twostate solution, is People Living sidebyside. Now, the weather is accepting this, i believe this is, should be, you know, we should deal with them in a very positive manner. But the ones or not expecting after accepting such a principle, what is the alternative with providing for the people who are willing to accept this . Thats the key issue. Your excellency, i want to ask to my questions about what we have described as the day after, the day after this terrible war and what governance would look like. The first is whether you imagine that hamas would play a role in the governance of gaza, of an eventual palestinian state . Israel would strongly oppose that. What would qatars position be . Well, our position that the fate of the pelicans should remain at the hands of the palestinians. They are the ones who should decide the way forward. As we see that the way forward that cannot be addressed directly from the west bank. And there should be one government that take care of the west bank together. We have the Palestinian Authority, whatever they are willing to do, but yet this is the decision of the palestinians. The palestinians actions. Those of the ones who can decide who should govern them or not. Neither qatari know israel or anyone i believe in the positions to impose on them Something Else are what we believe is the right for them. I take it from your earlier comments in answer to andrea that you think hamas should accept israels right to exist as the price of being part of the future. Is that a fair statement . Well, i think the statement that im saying that everyone, now, i will just take a step back. Whether its hamas, qatari, or any political party, this ideology is an idea. For you, to challenge this idea is to present a better idea. And the better idea is a twostate solution. And now whoever is opposing the twostate solution as the majority is agreed to, i think the people themselves will have the answer to that. Thats why im saying that were not in position to decide on health of the palestinian people. They have, they can decide on their own. And we believe that the only way forward thats been embraced and adopted by everybody, including the Palestinian Authority is to have a palestinian state living sidebyside to israel. Quick final question. Prime minister netanyahu you but many others including many u. S. Officials have said that a future palestinian state should be effectively demilitarized. Able to take care of security but not able to launch wars against its neighbors. Do you agree with that . We do want to see any country able to launch a war against its neighbor, we want to live peacefully speeded specifically what about i think that any peace plan should include enough security guarantees for both people that dont fight each other. Weve been told credibly that, theres documentary evidence the way the women were treated, women who are dead or killed, took women hostages as well, the rape, sex being used as a weapon of war. And that theres been abuses continuing in their captivity. So such a priority on releasing these women who shouldve been released back in and when that was the agreement. What hope can you present to the hostage families . You met with them in doha. You have reached out to them, your country. Some of them are here in the audience. What message can you give to the hostage families of giving their children, their relatives on . Well, of course these kind of acts are unacceptable and i condemn them. This is something that no human being can accept. Regarding our role in qatari trying our best to get those hostages freed, this is something weve been doing from day one, even without being asked. When we have seen this situation erupted, we reached out to hamas right away and we were demanding to release all the hostages. Unfortunately, things went to another direction and it didnt work out the way everyone wanted at the beginning. Yet, we have been very persistent and committed to the process that led to the first release. Where hoping for this process to continue to produce for us some good results and release of the rest of them. And what my message to them, to them and to the palestinian people, that were committed to put down this conflict, release the hostages. His highness has been repeating very persistent on making sure that all of us are working to that direction. Whenever where hearing disturbance and noise agenda, he always says we shouldnt care about this, you know, negative things, as long as its going to result with saving a single life. Thats what qatari wants and thus with other stood forth from the beginning of the continue to stand with qatari. You have been living with this crisis as soon after october 7 as a mediator, following it daytoday with Israeli Mossad officials from cia director burns and others. Im going to ask you as somebody who so close to it the question that was put to general petraeus at the beginning of the iraq war, which is, tell me how this ends. In your mind as a mediator, what does the middle east look like in the five years, if you are successful in your mediation . Well, it depends to what direction this mediation, if we will get to a situation where the war is ended and we go back to the same previous status, which is separate from the west bank, no hope for political situation and the region remains as a hostage of, you know, some political dynamics happening here or there. Then we are going to be in much worse situation five years from now, and the situation will not, the attack that happened seven october, there is another one, a war will happen and honestly, we dont see like the perspective of it. But if were going to seize this opportunity, were going to ensure that after this there is an International Commitment forr a peaceful resolution for a twostate solution. There is a clear path for the palestinians, further stated, then it will be much better picture for all of us and much better prospect in the region. And where hoping to not go the previous path. Do you think iran would agree with that . Its irans proxies, the houthis, hamas. Well, look, i dont want to speak on behalf of any country, yet i am telling you that my position, qatari, our position in the region that we are agreeing for this, as long as the region and the parties are agreeing to this. That would be the best guarantor for the future. We have questions now, david and i are receiving from the audience, both here and virtually. From thomas. Hamas put out a statement in english two weeks youre just for its october 7 attack. Notably, it called for a palestinian state but failed to call for twostate solution. What you publicly call for hamas to publicly accept a twostate solution . Well, actually our call for the entire is to accepted twostate solution. Thats our position and thats what we see the only way forward for us. So im looking at the next question, mr. Prime minister. You have repeatedly said that qatari is a neutral mediator which has no leverage over the parties other than words. Yet it is been widely reported that for years the top leadership of hamas has lived in qatari. How does that square with your claim of being a neutral mediator . Do you really have no leverage over an organization whose top leaders live in your country . And that come from professor kaye treat. I think that living in qatari, as like always taken out of context. Qatari has Hamas Political Office down for almost 11 years. It happened with full coordination with the United States, establish communication channels, and to be used in resolving the situation in the region. It has managed multiple deescalation ceasefires throughout the years and its proven to be effective. We hosted taliban Political Office the resulted to the agreement between u. S. And taliban. And it doesnt mean that being there hosting them is a leverage that we have over them. And qatari royle has been very clear and dealt with very close coordination with the u. S. , or with the other parties that are related to any conflict. We dont see that this is as a point of leverage. We see this as a point as a channel of communication that were using always for good causes. A brief followup. I want to ask you whether the Israeli Mossad their Intelligence Service with which have dealt now for some years has been a reliable negotiating partner . Actually, the negotiation that we have like accomplished whether its on this conflict or on the previous conflicts, was always happening through them. And we are seeing the results. Actually, thats the best forward. We have a question that is been submitted anonymously. Want to read the because the question is about the collapsing situation in sudan with their qatari rolled in the crisis over there, especially what is the qatari role in the crisis over there, special with qatars success for peace talks in the building of qatari to the sunnis party. I ask is . Diddley i up there with our u. N. Ambassador on the chad side of the border, questioning the refugees. It is horrific. Largely ignored by the world. Does qatari have a role . Well, to see whats happening is heartbreaking for all of us. Weve seen the suffering that the sudan a people have been going through now for over the last year, but its even going be on that. Qatari right now specifically we are not playing any specific role in whats happening in sudan, yet theres a process d a place with saudi and we are very supportive of the process, not yet get into an agreement with the fighting parties and transit to like more permanent status for the accident and put down this war as soon as possible. I want to ask a question of my own and then turn to one from her audience. Ive often visited alluded airbase in qatar which is one of the largest u. S. Military bases overseas. Youre a mediator between the u. S. And various forces like thomas and others. Talk a little bit about your alliance with the interstates and the bet jamaica on the other states by having that huge base their. Actually the relationship with the u. S. Has been always start in Business Alliance that we built decades ago. Between the two countries. And is not only on the fence security and Regional Security its gone beyond that. There is partnership between the two countries, Huge Investment presence for basic qatari in the United States and Huge Investment by American Companies in qatari in the energy sector. Of course is a partnership that we are proud of and American Companies are working together very closely with us in the area of education with american universitys being in qatari and certainly as a hub for the region to provide within the region. This relationship has always been very strong, very institutional, and thats what safeguarded the relationship. Of course when we see that we are helpful and we can provide support for the u. S. In different conflicts, we always of course look at this as just strengthen the bonds between our two countries, and delete this is something good for qatari to have partners such as United States but also for training to a reliable partner like qatari. Let me paraphrase this question. How can the existing diplomatic and mediation be stepped up to get us from where we are, which is conflict, worsening conflict, to peace and stability . Do we need an International Conference . Do we need a greater role for the u. N. . What more can be done to bring this home. As well, i think that it is regional efforts like mounded International Orders are noted to to see the way forward. I think that all of us, we are very much calibrated towards how to seize the opportunity right now and to put everything on and to go towards a twostate solution. And a peaceful resolution in the entire region just let this picture this, if we can put an end for this conflict that is being lasting for decade, the entire face of the region will change. And anyone who would claim the opposite, the people of the region are the ones who [inaudible] let me also add one of my come we talked earlier about your concerns about an escalation at this point, even what happened in jordan and now comes the place from the president of the United States to retaliate. She is being pressured by senator graham and other critics to go directly to iran to retaliate inside iran he is being pressured if you were to do that, deterrents, 160 attacks, would he be justified . What would be the impact if the u. S. Strikes inside iran . Well, actually we dont think, encourage any tax happen in the country in a region, and we believe the ones who are responsible for the attacks, those are the ones who should be held accountable of course. We are calling for deescalation to contain the situation is much as possible and were hoping that this doesnt go and does a reach to that level. Our region cannot just live with more escalation and further escalation. And we have to focus on the main issue of getting things back and restoring calm, is going to be key to defuse all other escalations in the region. But do you think what these militias have done, theres some evidence and may have come from syria, from arena back militis avera, when they and what the houthis are done with the ritzy could in it that happen without iran arming them . Directed by the regime. Look, i will go back to the parties who are carrying on these contacts, those of the ones who need to be held accountable for any misconduct or any action to undermine the peace and security in the region. We are not in position to point fingers on this or that right now, and i believe for us, the key focus should be how we contain the situation, how we deescalate it, how to address the issue not use [inaudible] final question as we get near the end of our allotted time. In the past this been a lot of tension between your country, qatari, and the kingdom of saudi arabia, nextdoor you. How our relations today and where do you think theyre heading . Well, i think were think were in very good shape. Look, saudi, qatari, qatari is in desperate its not just, you know, a traditional relationship. It is hostile to want between all the countries. We are connected, families, societies are very much connected. Its not something, you know, go through some difficult some time to time. We understand this. Were trying to do with it in a wise manner. And to overcome and to look, you know, for a better future. Our relation with saudi right now is very good, very strong. We are working together very closely when it comes to the conflict in israel as well. Also on a bilateral, on a bilateral level i think it has been improving a lot in the past few years. And this is what were focusing on, how to make sure that gcc relationship always protected, always safeguarded, and how to build an area of common interest between all of us in order to avoid any frustration region. Well, thank you so much. We have of myself, nbc news and with the Atlantic Council here welcoming us, david. So, Sheikh Mohammed, i last talked to you in doha. Like all of us i followed your efforts to mediate an end to this the terrible hostage problem and the larger war with interest and appreciation. Thank you so much for talking to me and andrew today, and with the audience here. Thank you. Thank you very much for having me. [applause] [applause][e conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]