Qatar calls for halting US air strikes against Iraq

Qatar on Tuesday called for suspending the air strikes carried out by the US and British warplanes repeatedly and on daily basis against Iraq.

In a joint press conference he held with the US Defense Secretary William Cohen on Tuesday in Doha, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem al-Thani said that Qatar opposes the bombardment launched by the US and British jets and "We wish not to see Iraq being bombed daily, or these attacks which are taking place daily in the no-fly zone."

Sheikh Hamad called upon Iraq to abide by UN Security Council resolutions.

Sheikh Hamad asserted frankly that there are different views on this matter, noting "our main issue is how to bring peace and stability in the area."

This is the first open opposition stand shown by Qatar to the US-British air strikes against Iraq.

Earlier in the day, Cohen arrived in Doha for a short visit to Qatar.

Cohen also noted successful aspects of the visit, saying: "We agreed to establish a telephone link to facilitate communications between our two governments. The United States also offered to share early-warning information about missile launches in Iraq or Iran."

Sheikh Hamad also said the two sides tackled the idea of convening an international conference concerning Iraq, confirming that it will include United Nations and Security Council resolutions.