Qatar Emir Says Country Will Thrive Despite Blockade

Qatar's Emir says the country’s neighbours have no desire to end the Gulf Crisis. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani made his speech at the opening session of the parliamentary advisory body, the Shura Council. Sheikh Tamim gave a message of steadfastness, saying Qatari society will persist regardless of the length of the blockade.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June and imposed a land, sea and air blockade.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Doha.

Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim's UN Speech in Full

Qatar's emir has addressed the 72nd UN General Assembly session in New York City. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani addressed Qatar’s blockade and called “for an unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty”.

On international matters, he called on Myanmar's government "to stop violence against Rohingya minority" and appealed to Palestinians to complete their "national reconciliation".

PM Cameron Appeals to Qatar Emir for More Investment

REUTERS UK: (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday urged Qatar to plough more of its vast oil and gas wealth into infrastructure projects across Britain during an official visit from the Gulf state's emir.

Cameron asked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to consider further funding to help Britain's push to develop cities in the north of the country and connect them to London using a high speed rail line, a statement released by his office said.

Qatar is one of the world's richest countries and is already heavily invested in British firms and property.

Among its highest profile investments are London's tallest building, the Shard, which was funded by the Qatari royal family, and the upmarket Harrods department store owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority.

"The Prime Minister ... encouraged the Emir to consider more opportunities across the country, particularly the government’s plan to establish a Northern Powerhouse by connecting our great Northern cities and the development of high speed rail," the statement said. » | William James | London | Thursday, October 30, 2014