Kuwait emir to continue mediation efforts

Gargash insists on full appreciation of context, dimensions of dispute

Kuwait Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah said he felt bitter and extremely concerned over the unprecedented developments dramatically unfolding in the Gulf.

However, Shaikh Sabah said he was determined to carry on with his efforts to mediate in the crisis that came out in the open on June 5 between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt on one side and Qatar on the other.

“We will not give up our historical responsibilities and we will remain committed to them until the negative developments are over and our skies are clear again,” he said.

Shaikh Sabah said the support he has received from all sides has eased the pain of developments and increased the determination to address them.

“The positive reactions and the support for our efforts to contain these developments as well as the backing of our brothers and citizens, expressed through social networking sites and local media and the comprehensive statements by Kuwaiti civil society organisations embodied the sense of historical ties established between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the common history and destiny of their people.”

Shaikh Sabah said that the progress and achievements of the GCC, the alliance, set up in 1981 and comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, should continue and must not be compromised.

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has regularly stressed the significance of understanding the true context and dimensions of the dispute, especially since more and more people and countries have said they planned to mediate to reach solutions.

Gargash had a clear message for them: There can be no permanent solution without addressing three fundamental issues.

“The Qatar crisis is about the absence of trust, extremism and terrorism, and undermining regional stability. Solution must address all of the above,” he posted on his Twitter account.

WAM Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi with Arab information ministers in Cairo yesterday. Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Media Council, headed the UAE delegation to the 48th session...