Saudi FM: Qatar responsible for terrorism all over the world

CAIRO – 20 November 2017: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on Monday that Saudi Arabia will not tolerate terrorism at all, adding that Qatar is responsible for terrorism and extremism all over the world.

Jubeir added in an interview with El País during his visit to Madrid that the Arab quartet is dealing with Qatar through a boycott, not a blockade, due to its hostile policy towards Arab countries and the region, which lasted for a long time.

Jubeir further remarked that the boycotting countries have sent a message to Qatar demanding it halts its support and financing of terrorism, but Qatar has chosen to ignore the six demands of the Gulf States, denying the problem.

“Saudi Arabia always seeks development, so we need government more efficient and transparent to bring more investments to achieve progress to our people,” said Jubeir, responding a question.

“For our women, there are positive steps, and they have several economic opportunities, which confirms the freedom and gender equality,” said Jubeir.

“Our kingdom launched a large campaign against bribery, embezzlement, money laundering and abuse of power, because we need pure government. It is not logical to see all their violations and do nothing,” responded Jubeir to a question about the arrests of princes in Saudi Arabia.

The new body was given broad powers to investigate cases, issue arrest warrants and travel restrictions, and seize assets, added Jubeir.

Eleven princes, four ministers and dozens of former ministers were detained late on Saturday after King Salman decreed the creation of an anti-corruption committee chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his 32-year-old son who has amassed expansive powers over the past two years.

Jubeir denied that Saudi Arabia coerced Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri into resigning or has kept him from leaving. It has accused Lebanon of declaring war on the kingdom because of Hezbollah, and has advised Saudi citizens to leave Lebanon, adding that the decision of returning to Lebanon is up to Hariri.

Hariri announced his resignation while in Saudi Arabia on November 4 in a televised statement, during which he railed against Riyadh's bitter foe, Iran, and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah.