Doha: President of the France-Qatar Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, Laurent Mazaury, has expressed strong opposition to Iran's recent attacks on Qatar and the wider Gulf region. He stated that any attempt to involve regional countries in conflict violates both humanitarian and international values.
According to Qatar News Agency, Mazaury, who is also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the French National Assembly, emphasized that Qatar has refrained from engaging in warfare despite these provocations. He highlighted Qatar's resilience as a testament to its dedication to diplomacy and mediation in resolving regional disputes.
Mazaury underscored the significant importance France places on its cooperation with Qatar. He noted that recent regional interventions have occurred amid complex circumstances, including the annulment of the nuclear agreement by the US administration. He clarified that Qatar is not a participant in the conflict and that efforts to involve it contradict international norms, impacting its sovereignty, citizens, economy, and the credibility of its mediation efforts.
The French official emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering dialogue among governments by facilitating regular communication among parliamentarians. This ongoing interaction, he said, allows for direct and open dialogue between governments.
Mazaury highlighted Qatar's openness to communication, particularly with France, and noted that the strong bilateral ties between Paris and Doha enhance Qatar's capacity as a mediator in conflict resolution. He cited Qatar's role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel as an example of its success in mediation.
He urged Qatar and countries pursuing a mediating approach to maintain this stance, emphasizing the importance of moral steadfastness to preserve negotiation capacities, as exemplified by France. Qatar's continued resilience and non-involvement in conflicts, he added, bolster its position as a significant mediator while aiding Europe in defending its economic and political interests.
Mazaury reaffirmed that France deploys its naval forces solely for self-defense and to fulfill defense commitments, without engaging in the conflict, stressing the need to uphold international law and respect state sovereignty.
In his discussion with QNA, Mazaury warned of the catastrophic economic and political ramifications of the Middle East conflict, citing its impact on fuel prices in France and regional stability. He stressed that such conflicts undermine efforts to develop diversified economies.
The French official called for cooperation among Qatar, the Gulf states, and Europe to restore peace through prudent action. He highlighted Qatar's pivotal role as a mediator post-conflict, given its ability to engage in dialogue with all parties.
From a European and international standpoint, Mazaury commented on the economic challenges posed by the Middle East conflict, including threats to fuel and gas supplies, rising prices, and disruptions to global trade. He emphasized that Europe should avoid involvement in the conflict but may maintain a defensive presence to safeguard its interests and those of its Gulf allies.
Mazaury concluded by noting that despite having diverse suppliers, Europe will continue to face challenges from navigation difficulties in strategic waterways and increased production and distribution costs borne by major companies.