Four Arab countries demand Qatar's compliance with the "Six Principles"
The four Arab countries that severed ties with Qatar and demanded that Doha accept their 13 conditions in order to resume relations have now demanded compliance with what they have called the "six principles" to combat extremism and terrorism.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have called on Qatar to declare its commitment to the "six principles" to combat extremism and terrorism and to negotiate with these countries to adopt a plan to implement them. The move could be a solution to the crisis in the Middle East, the Associated Press reported.
In mid-June, four Arab countries severed all ties with Qatar and closed entry and exit routes to the country, accusing Doha of “supporting terrorism,” “interfering” in the affairs of some countries, and “endangering” security and stability in the region. Qatar has denied these accusations and accused the four countries, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, of attempting to interfere in its affairs and disregard its national sovereignty.
The Arab countries had previously sent a list of conditions for resuming relations with Doha, including a sharp reduction in relations with Iran, the closure of the Al Jazeera network, and the dismantling of the Turkish military base. Doha rejected these conditions.
Abdullah al-Mualimi, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on July 17 that the four countries now want to adhere to the six principles that foreign ministers agreed to at a meeting in Cairo on July 5. Mr. al-Mualimi expressed hope that Qatar would also declare its commitment to these principles.
The Saudi representative to the UN, however, said that these countries could discuss the details, "tactics" and "tools" needed to implement these principles: "We can negotiate and interact."
Al-Moalemi told reporters that preventing incitement to violence and extremism is a priority, but details like “closing Al Jazeera” may not be necessary: “If the only way to achieve them (the six principles) is to close Al Jazeera, fine; and if we can achieve them without closing Al Jazeera, that’s fine.”
The New York Times reports that Saudi diplomats and allies have said the four countries are not currently discussing the details of what Qatar must comply with. They aim to adhere to principles of combating terrorism and extremism, preventing the financing and safe haven of terrorist groups, preventing the propagation of violence and hatred, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
The UAE Minister of International Cooperation also said that all five countries have strong relations with the United States, "and we believe that the United States has a very constructive and important role to play in creating a peaceful solution to the current crisis."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently met with officials from Qatar and four Arab countries during a trip to the Middle East, as part of Washington’s efforts to resolve the crisis. In Doha, Tillerson and his Qatari counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding to combat terrorism and the financing of “terrorist groups.” Hours later, the Arab countries welcomed the move in a statement but said it was not enough.
Abdullah al-Moallemy also said that Qatar's future is secured in partnership with its neighbors, "not in distant places." The Associated Press says this is a specific reference to Turkey and Iran, which have supported Doha in some way in recent weeks.
The Saudi representative to the United Nations said, "Our Turkish brothers need to understand that the era of covert, and in some way unwanted, intervention in the Arab world has long been over. If Turkey wants to play a constructive role, we welcome it, but trying to play a role through the establishment of a military base and military intervention will not be fruitful and will damage Turkey's image in the Arab world."
The UAE Minister of International Cooperation also said, "The ball is now in Qatar's court."
Source: Radio Farda
