Qatar not serious in tackling ATQ’s demands, says Al-Jubeir
Calls for internationalization of Hajj pilgrimage ‘a declaration of war,’ says Saudi Arabia
“We are ready to talk with Qatar on the implementation of the demands, on the implementation of the principles, if Qatar is serious, but it has been clear that it is not,” he said.
He made these remarks at a joint news conference at the end of a meeting of the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE — collectively known as the ATQ.
The four ministers met in Manama as part of their ongoing consultations regarding the Qatar crisis.
Saudi Arabia considers Qatar’s demands for an internationalization of the Hajj pilgrimage a declaration of war against the Kingdom, Al-Jubeir added.
Speaking to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV channels, Al-Jubeir said: “Qatar’s demands to internationalize the holy sites is aggressive and a declaration of war against the Kingdom.”
He added: “We reserve the right to respond to anyone who is working on the internationalization of the holy sites.”
The ATQ also denounced actions taken by Qatar to prevent its nationals from performing Hajj this year, and praised the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to welcome all pilgrims.
The ministers underscored the series of demands on Qatar it deems necessary to end the diplomatic crisis over Doha’s alleged support of terror groups.
MANAMA: Qatar is not serious in tackling the demands of the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) to end the Gulf diplomatic rift, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on Sunday.