![A general view of the Qatari Hamad port in the capital Doha on June 14th. Qatar is calling on neighbouring states to lift their blockade of the country before Doha takes part in any negotiations on ending the Gulf diplomatic crisis. [Karim Jaafar/AFP]](/cnmi_am/images/2017/06/19/8413-qatar-hamad-port-700_496.webp)
Qatar's foreign minister on Monday (June 19th) called on neighbouring states to lift their "blockade" of his country before Doha takes part in any negotiations on ending the Gulf diplomatic crisis, AFP reported.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani called measures to isolate Qatar imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and others "an act of aggression", adding that lifting them was a "pre-condition" for talks.
However, UAE state minister for foreign affairs Anwar Gargesh said Monday that Qatar's diplomatic isolation could last years and its Gulf rivals will not lift sanctions until it abandons its "support for jihadists".
"We do not want to escalate, we want to isolate," Gargash told journalists during a visit to Paris.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar two weeks ago and have closed land and sea borders and imposed severe restrictions on airspace.
The crisis has raised major concerns over instability in the region.
"This isolation can take years," Gargash said.
Qatar supports extremist groups
The minister said Qatar's rivals were "betting on time", but a solution could not be brokered until it abandoned its support for "extremist Islamists".
"They have built a sophisticated podium for jihadism and Islamic extremism," he said.
"They support groups linked to al-Qaeda in Syria, Libya... and in Yemen."
"This state is weaponising jihadists and Islamists, it is using this as a weapon of influence," he added.
But by applying pressure on gas-rich Qatar through sanctions, "we have a golden opportunity to break this support", he said.
Qatar strongly denies the accusations.
In the next few days, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt will submit a list of demands to Qatar, which is likely to include the expulsion of radical individuals.
"There must be some people who are wise in Qatar and who will prevail, hopefully within the ruling family," Gargash said.
"This is not about regime change, it is about behaviour change."
Qatar as a state is an example to be followed by all Muslim countries in the Arab and Muslim world. It's the only country that supports the poor in all countries, especially in Africa, where it has organisations that help the needy. Therefore, the government, people and resident of Qatar will be victorious. All due respect to the government and people of Qatar, as those who live in that country, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, find all respect. These rumours are not there due to the incredible security that Qatar has. May God preserve Qatar against all evils plotted against it! God is the best preserver and supporter!
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Boycott in this way is not acceptable. Qatar is a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council, and keeping silent over it throughout this time means these countries have been partners in that with it. Qatar is also an Arab country taking part in the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm. What has changed? As a Jordanian and Arab MP, I support resolving Arab disputes, if any, through dialogue and not boycott and internationalization. I support Qatar in rejecting boycott and in wanting to open direct dialogue with Saudi Arabia to get over of the crisis. I also expect total failure of the policies of the four countries, especially after the unilateral military solution failed in Yemen as there were no talks or dialogue, whether direct or through the mediation of other Arab countries, to resolve the crisis there. The same applies to any dispute between any Arab country and another.
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If they have power, they can use it to liberate al-Aqsa and protect Burma's Muslims against the Buddhist holocaust. However, they're fiascos and could only do something against Qatar. The magic will be turned against them, like the case of the Pharaoh and Moses, peace be upon him!
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Brothers, what do you expect from the Arab leaders who are fighting each others? International forces are always attacking Islam and Muslims, while Arab leaders are busy attacking each other. Do they care a bit about Islam and Muslims? Do they have any ideas or plans to defend Islam, Muslims and their countries?!
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The royal family in Qatar has unfortunately used the huge resources which God has bestowed on them towards evil. They have no place in the government of Qatar and they should leave without any regrets. Tamim and the treacherous family must be put to trial before international courts. This corrupt family must be held to account for the martyrs' blood.
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The Servant of the Two Holy Mosques doesn't do injustice against anyone. Qatar should be fully responsible for what it has done. O, God, give victory to Islam and Muslims! O, God, the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques ...
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These are American-Zionist plans aimed at forcing Arabs to obey them. They want to consider the people of Gaza as the ones who occupied Palestine from the Jews! To Arabs, the people of Gaza are now terrorists! There is no might nor power except in Allah!
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Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the biggest supporters of terrorism. It's not Qatar, as they allege, because Hamas is not terrorist; rather, it's defending its land.
ReplyIf Hamas defends its land for 100,000 years, it won't be liberated. Forget it!
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The government of Qatar must explain its stance from the Gulf Co-operation Council. Is Qatar with or against the Gulf? If it gives up on supporting terrorism and the states of terrorism and implements the conditions, it is then a friendly country. If doesn't give up on terrorism, then it is a hostile state that is betraying the Gulf.
ReplyWell said, brother Yahya. This is logical, and for those who don't like it, the sea is near.
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I seek refuge in God from the cursed Satan, In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful! The Gulf in general is the crisis of the Arab nation. What goes around comes around! What is the guilt of the Iraqi people? The cause is the Gulf policies. What is the guilt of the Syrian people? The cause is Qatar and Saudi Arabia. What is the guilt of Libya? The cause is Qatar. What is the guilt of Yemen? The cause is Saudi Arabia. God willing, you're doomed to destruction. Where can you go from the [gibberish] of children, youth and women? O, woe to you! Don't be afraid, God is great. What matters is the end.
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He deserves what happened to him. Let the Magi benefit him!
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We hope that the siege on our brothers in Qatar will be lifted. The issue is related to rulers not peoples. In spite of this, why don't you [gibberish] our brothers in Iraq, Syria and Palestine? The Arabs have agreed not to agree. Thanks.
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There is no siege. Everyone is free in their country. You say you have principles, and that you won't turn the terrorists in. Why don't you extradite the wanted people to their countries? Qatar has already signed this. You say that you're free with your Qatari policies. Saudi Arabia and UAE are also free in closing their borders and air spaces.
ReplyYour words are strong, logical and the right place. Everyone is free. I greet you, brother.
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You say that there are extremist groups and that Qatar supports terrorism. You're liars; just prove anything of what you're saying. Qatar is most honest Arab country. Those who support terrorism are known. Yesterday, on MBC you hosted someone who threatened a coup. He is waiting for a telephone call from someone [gibberish].
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Qatar must understand the situation. The final solution that serves the security and stability of the region is for it to be part of the policies and strategy of neighbouring countries. In case it refuses, the consequences will be very bad.
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