Anti-Terror Quartet meeting underscores demands made in Qatar crisis
Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain gather in Manama
MANAMA: The foreign ministers of the AntiTerror Quartet (ATQ), which has raised concerns over Qatar’s alleged support of terror groups, have underscored the series of demands on Doha it deems necessary to end the diplomatic crisis.
The foreign ministers of the ATQ — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Bahrain met in Manama on Sunday as part of their ongoing consultations regarding the rift.
Safe haven
They urged Doha to stop its support and funding of terrorism, and to cease providing safe haven and financing for outlaws and those convicted of terrorism, promoting hatred and incitement, and interfering in the internal affairs of regional countries.
The ministers of the four countries reviewed the latest developments regarding the Qatari crisis and the communications they conducted at regional and international levels.
Six principles
They underscored the importance of the six principles required of Doha, as declared at a previous meeting in Cairo.
The ministers also underlined the importance of enforcing the 2013 and 2014 Riyadh Agreements, which have not been implemented by Qatar and of Qatar complying with the 13 demands previously listed in order to achieve security on the regional and international levels.
No to extremism
The ATQ expressed their readiness for dialogue with Qatar under the condition that it declares its genuine willingness to stop supporting and funding terrorism and extremism.
The four countries confirmed that all the measures taken against Qatar are in line with their sovereignty and international law.
Kuwait praised
They praised the role played by Kuwait Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to resolve the Qatari crisis within an Arab framework.
They also denounced actions taken by Qatar to prevent its nationals from performing Hajj jthis year, and praised the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to welcome all pilgrims.
The ministers agreed to carry on consultations and coordination on this matter during their next meetings.
The ATQ’s foreign ministers are Saudi Arabia’s Adel Al-Jubeir, the UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry and Bahrain’s Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.