FMs of Arab countries combating suicide condemns Doha’s role

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain expressed on Wednesday regret over Qatar’s response to their demands to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms. In a joint statement issued following a meeting held on Wednesday in Cairo, the four foreign ministers said the response received by Qatar was “negative” and shows negligence, lack of seriousness in dealing with the roots of the problem and a “lack of understanding” of the gravity of the situation.

They added that it is no longer possible to tolerate the destructive role being played by Doha. The ministers agreed to follow up on the issue and hold their next meeting in Manama. Their joint statement also listed six principles needed to solve the crisis, adding that the demands proposed to Qatar came in this regard. 

For his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said: “Turkey told us it will remain neutral from the crisis, and we hope they will stick to that position.” At a press conference held following the meeting in Cairo, Jubeir said: “For any country dealing with Iran, the result is very negative.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the four countries reiterated the necessity to combat terrorism and to dry up its sources. “There will be zero tolerance with any state sponsoring extremism and terrorism. There is no place for such states in the international community,” he said.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan regretted the fact that for the past two decades, Doha has taken the path of destruction and chaos. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said: “Our role is to stand in the face of ISIS’ terrorism, as well as the terrorism that comes from Iran.”

Asked about the possibility of discontinuing Qatar’s membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Khalid said: “This is for the GCC to discuss.” Also on Wednesday, the White House announced that a telephone conversation was held between US President Donald Trump and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fatah el-Sisi. The White House said Trump reiterated the need for all countries “to stop terrorist financing and discredit extremist ideology.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that the four Arab states spending their efforts in the fight against terrorism “cannot accept Qatar’s destructive role,” adding that the international community must also be responsible in combating terrorism.

“The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies,” Shoukry said.

The top diplomat also said the situation no longer concerns accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism, since there are solid evidence and “witness” accounts on Doha’s involvement.

The minister said the four Arab states have decided to continue their coordination and discussion to consolidate Arab national security. He said discussion with Qatar will continue and an expected meeting will be held in Manama.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said upcoming discussions will take place on Qatar and any upcoming measures will be implemented in the right time.

“The boycott will remain,” he said at a news conference in Cairo after meeting with his counterparts from Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates over the crisis.

UAE’s foreign minister also said there needs to be an international effort to clear the region from those who support terrorism.

“The four countries received Qatar’s response through the mediation of Kuwait before the end of the extended period requested by His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait,” read their joint statement, adding “a joint response will be released in a timely manner.”

Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir received in Jeddah Qatar’s response to the 13 demands listed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in order to stop Doha’s support and finance of terrorism.

Asked if GCC will expel Qatar, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said it is not the right place to discuss this issue. The Bahraini minister, meanwhile, said the Qatar-backed Muslim Brotherhood must be held accountable for bloodshed in Egypt. Khalifa also said Wednesday’s meeting on Qatar was for coordination and a “clear, studied” decision to be taken later.