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Visit of the Emir of Qatar to France: discussions “will focus mainly on the release of hostages”, according to the vice-president of iReMMO
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Agnès Levallois, vice-president of the Institute of Mediterranean Research and Studies in the Middle East, is the guest of 19/20 info, Tuesday February 27, while the Emir of Qatar, negotiator in the war in the Middle East , is received at the Élysée.
The Emir of Qatar is received at the Élysée on Tuesday February 27. “This is the first visit of this emir (…) in that, indeed, it is an important visit”, indicates Agnès Levallois, vice-president of the Institute of Mediterranean Research and Studies in the Middle East (iReMMO), guest of 19/20 info. Since the war between Israel and Hamas, the emirate has played an essential role in negotiations between the opponents. The discussions “will focus mainly on the release of the hostages (…) it is really Qatar which allowed the first releases of hostages”she adds.
A truce before March 10?
Qatar and France have signed humanitarian aid for Rafah (Gaza), where the situation is dramatic. “The month of Ramadan, which is the holy month of Muslims, is approaching, since it is expected to start around March 10. We see that there is an acceleration of all the efforts of the stakeholders”explains Agnès Levallois. “For Qatar, it is very important to reach this truce before March 10”.
Joe Biden, optimistic, says an agreement could be reached by Monday March 4. “I believe that there is still an American desire to try to twist Netanyahu’s arm”, analyzes the vice-president of iReMMO. Three French hostages are still presumed to be in the hands of Hamas. The visit to Qatar could help speed things up. “France realizes that we cannot ignore Qatar (…) because it is the interlocutor who speaks with all the parties”concludes Agnès Levallois.
