Qatar ignores crisis' core through naïve media: UAE FM

CAIRO – 10 September 2017: As Saudi Arabia suspended all dialogue with Qatar on Saturday, accusing it of "distorting facts”, Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Qarqash said the dispute between Qatar and Arab countries is deemed a real political crisis.

The Saudi Kingdom squashed talks with Doha following a phone call on Friday between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, which intended to defuse a three-month political crisis between Qatar and the Anti-Terrorism Quartet (ATQ).

The crisis broke out in June when the ATQ of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and accused it of backing terrorism and having deep relations with the regional foe, Iran.

Shorty after the call, Saudi Arabia dismissed Qatar News Agency’s (QNA) claims that Tamim has agreed to send envoys for negotiations upon Saudi demands.

A Saudi official at the Saudi Foreign Ministry said what was published is far from the truth and that it is deemed a continuation of fact-misrepresentation practices by the Qatari authority.

He added that this indicates the Qatari authority did not realize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not tolerate how Qatar alters facts.

In a series of tweets posted late Saturday, Qarqash said Qatar is ignoring the core of the crisis, pointing out to its “naïve” media responses and actions.


Qarqash's tweets – Twitter
“The confused brother must realize that the crisis is not made up; however, it is the result of his support to extremism and conspiracy to destabilize his neighbors,” Qarqash added. “It is a serious political crisis that can be treated in means other than through the media,” Qarqash added.

The minister added that Emirati officials are seeking a solution that would shield the region from the outcomes of certain policies that incited chaos and violence across the region.

Qarqash also expressed his hope that Doha will stop maneuvering after it sold its sovereignty cheaply and that it would deal transparently.

"There is no other way, and the shortest way is to be honest with Riyadh," Qarqash added.

“As we watched yesterday’s events, we were filled with optimism that there would be a real breakthrough. But, unfortunately, the hesitation and multiplicity of sources of decision makers and the lack of wisdom all became a wasted opportunity. Qatar is in a difficult position today,” he said.

He concluded with “instead of trying to drive a wedge between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi through Qatar's naïve media, the confused brother should be wise to tackle his crisis within his surroundings.”