[Note: Cautious formulation which may leave an exit for future determination of guilt]

The Address

of His Highness

(Excerpts)

"We are all aware of the extraordinary circumstances under which this session is being held, in the wake of the political situation prevailing in the world after the events of September 11. On analyzing those terrible events We can say that humanity has reached a turning point. Where We go now, depends on how We respond to the crisis We are facing."

…

"What happened in New York and Washington is unprecedented and almost beyond our imagining. There may be strategic planners who see the events as confirming their predictions, but for the rest of us it would have seemed like fiction. Sadly, the events were all too real and we watched with amazement and horror as we realized the full gravity of those attacks for the future of humanity."

"Dealing with the repercussions of these events should not just be a matter of punishing those whose guilt in masterminding and carrying out this criminal act is proved. Inflicting punishment, though imperative, will not, in my opinion, prevent the repetition of similar or even graver acts in future."

"We are facing a grave situation. We are seeing what could be described as a globalization of terrorism through the evil utilization of the revolution of technology and communications which We once thought could only be for the benefit of mankind. So we are all involved in an unconventional war for which We are not yet prepared."

…

"If anything, we have moved away from these ideals of a year ago we are a world in which liberties are increasingly restricted, where democracy is in retreat and where caution and isolation are replacing freedom and openness."

"The State of Qatar, along with all Islamic countries, has condemned the terrorist acts that took place on September 11th. This stand was explicitly expressed at the Emergency Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference Ministers of reign Affairs held in Doha last month. Our unanimous agreement on condemning what happened emanated from the values of our true religion, its sublime Sharia that is based on tolerance, justice, equality and cooperation among people, and forbids the taking of human life unjustly."

"Our peoples condemn and reject all attempts to distort the image of Islam, which is the last of divine messages, and those who abuse and terrorize its adherents and jeopardize their lives, dignity and interests."

…

"We have to put emphasis on the need to address the human tragedy of the people of Afghanistan. We feel it is our duty to come forward with every possible aid to these people, most of whom are living under extremely hard conditions, which in turn increases their sufferings which were already acute before the crisis brought upon them by the events of 11 September."