Arab states make new offer to end Qatar crisis

Four Arab nations that cut ties with Qatar have urged the nation to commit to six principles on combatting extremism and terrorism – a step that could pave the way for an early resolution of the crisis.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain broke diplomatic relations with Qatar in June largely over allegations that it supports terrorist and extremist groups – a charge Qatar rejects.

Qatar dismissed 13 original demands.

Saudi Arabia’s UN Ambassador Abdallah Almouallimi said the four nations are now committed to the six principles agreed to by their foreign ministers at a meeting in Cairo on 5 July.

The principles include commitments to combat extremism and terrorism, prevent financing and safe havens for such groups, and suspend all acts of provocation and speeches inciting hatred or violence.

Al-mouallimi said the four-nation quartet thinks it “should be easy for the Qataris to accept”.