Bin Salman receives call from Qatar’s Tamim on ATQ demands

CAIRO – 9 September 2017: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received a phone call on Friday from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who expressed his willingness to discuss the demands of the Anti-Terrorism Quartet (ATQ).

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Bin Salman welcomed the move of Sheikh Tamim, pointing out that the Saudi Kingdom will discuss the issue with Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain.

A joint statement issued early on Friday by the Anti-Terrorism Quartet of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain said there would be no dialogue with Qatar if prior conditions are set.

The four countries further stressed in their statement that no military action has ever been considered in the dispute with Qatar, nor will it be pondered.

“The statements by Qatar's foreign minister following those by the Emir of Kuwait, confirm Qatar's rejection of dialogue unless the boycott measures taken by the four countries to protect their interests legally and politically are lifted.”

The quartet added that the preconditions set by the minister confirm Qatar's lack of seriousness about holding a dialogue, combating and putting an end to financing terrorism and interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, they said.

“We regret the Emir of Kuwait’s statement about the success of the mediation in stopping the military option and emphasize that the military option was not and will not be on the table in any case,” the quartet affirmed in their joint statement.

The ATQ have cut all diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar over accusations it was supporting terrorist groups. The four Arab states boycotting Qatar have sent Doha a list of 13 demands including closing the Al Jazeera network and reducing ties to their regional adversary Iran.