Bin Salman stresses ATQ’s six principles on combating terror

CAIRO – 1 August 2017: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairing the Cabinet at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, welcomed on Monday the outcome of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt — and the affirmation of their six principles on combating terror and its financing.

The Cabinet praised the ATQ’s call for implementation of 13 demands to ensure peace and stability in the region and the world. It also welcomed the ATQ’s condemnation of Doha’s plan to obstruct Qataris from performing Hajj, and the quartet’s appreciation of Saudi facilities to receive pilgrims.

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”.

Qatari Emir’s remarks against Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prompted the major Arab powers to adopt urgent and strict measures towards Doha.

The Qatari crisis was escalated when the Arab quartet along with Yemen and Libya announced a coordinated diplomatic break with Qatar. They also closed their airspace and seaports for Qatari transportation.

Palestinian Cause
The Cabinet lauded the statement by Arab foreign ministers on Israeli aggression against Al-Aqsa, and their appreciation of King Salman’s efforts to protect the mosque.

In this context, the Cabinet expressed the longstanding Saudi stance in support of the Palestinian people, and rejection of the imposition of unilateral measures aimed at disrespecting Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.

It said the only way to achieve peace is to implement the Arab Peace Initiative and lay down an international mechanism that will ensure Palestinian rights and end Israeli occupation.

The Cabinet appreciated condemnation and rejection by the permanent representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of all Israeli measures in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.