Qatar’s acceptance of ATQ demands is matter of time: Parliament

CAIRO – 17 September 2017: Qatar’s continued support to terrorism and stubbornness in dealing with the Anti-Terrorism Quartet’s (ATQ) demands have caused many problems in the region, MP Mohamed Salah Abu Humaila, head of the parliamentary bloc of the Republican People's Party.

He added that the international community started to turn against Qatar because of its foreign policies that rely on funding terrorist organizations in the world.

Abu Humaila pointed out that the sanctions imposed by the four anti-terrorism countries will force Doha to respond to their demands, stressing that it is a matter of time until Qatar accept the Arab demands.

Qatar’s relations with several Arab states have been strained since May 24 over a leaked statement attributed to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, criticizing Gulf foreign policy with Iran, describing it as “unwise”.

On 5 June, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions, accusing it of funding terrorism, a claim Qatar rejects. They also closed their airspace and seaports for Qatari transportation.

The Arab quartet issued 13 demands to Doha – then shortened to six principles - including closing Al Jazeera television, curbing relations with Iran and repelling Turkish military forces.

On September 9, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received a phone call from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who expressed his willingness to discuss the Arab demands.

However, Saudi Arabia halted any dialogue with Qatar following the distorted news published by the Qatari News Agency (QNA) about the phone call between the two countries' leaders, claiming that Emir Tamim has agreed to send envoys for negotiations upon Saudi demands.