Qatar not serious about dialogue
dubai — The UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries maintained their tough and principled stand against Qatar’s bankrolling of terrorism after US President Donald Trump offered to help resolve the crisis.
“Dialogue on the implementation of the demands should not be preceded by any conditions,” they said in a joint statement carried by Wam. “Setting pre-conditions for dialogue confirms Qatar’s lack of seriousness in dialogue, combating and financing terrorism and interfering in the internal affairs of countries,” the countries said in the statement.
The demands include shutting Doha-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, closing a Turkish military base in the emirate and downgrading Qatari diplomatic ties with Iran.
The four Arab states stressed in their joint statement that “the military option has not been and will not be considered” under any circumstances. They also criticised Qatari Foreign Minis-
Wisdom is required for Doha to come out from this impasse, and missing the opportunity is against its interest — Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
ter Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for comments he made after the meeting between Trump and the Kuwaiti Amir.
Qatar is not only a Gulf dispute but rather a crisis with many of the Arab and Islamic nations, which announced their position on Qatar’s meddling in their affairs and its support for terrorism.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com