"The State of Qatar also welcomed the decision of the European Union which bans financial assistance to Israeli groups operating in the occupied territories, and to not recognize any changes to pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties to the Middle East peace process," Sheikh Mishaal said. He noted that the decision supports the resolutions of international legitimacy and the international law, and demonstrates the international community's rejection of the illegal settlements and what could threaten the chances of achieving the two-state solution, and called on other countries to follow the example of the European Union in this regard. "The State of Qatar underlined that the Israeli illegal procedures is hindering the international efforts aiming at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict," Sheikh Mishaal said. Concerning the situation in the Middle East, Sheikh Mishaal said that the current situation in Syria represents a threat and a challenge to the international community as it has dangerous impacts on Syria's sovereignty, neighboring countries' security and stability and international peace and security. He called on the Security Council to take fast and effective procedures, noting that the number of innocent victims in Syria has exceeded 100,000 in addition to millions of refugees and displaced persons and the systematic destruction of homes, utilities and other uncountable violations. Sheikh Mishaal called on the United Nations to take effective action by the Security Council in order to find a final and just solution to the suffering of the Syrian people, based on the international law and the resolutions of international legitimacy, to bring those responsible for the crimes and violations to justice; and to enable Syrians to determine their destiny and shape their future after this long suffering. --SPA 14:14 LOCAL TIME 11:14 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1131956