Qatar Foreign Minister: ‘Siege Countries’ Allegations Should Be Supported By Evidence

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Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the demands of the “siege countries” are mere claims and should be supported by evidence, adding that the demands should be realistic and feasible, and all that otherwise is unacceptable.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain announced on June 5 they were suspending all ties with Qatar, accusing it of support for extremist groups — a claim Doha denies.

HE the Foreign Minister told reporters after his meeting with his US counterpart Rex Tillerson that, “the meeting was very excellent and constructive and we talked about the crisis and the siege imposed on the State of Qatar by the three countries in coordination with Egypt as well as the list of collective demands submitted by the siege countries,” HE the Minister said that Qatar and the United States agree that the demands must be reasonable, but before talking about demands, the allegations against Qatar should be discussed.

“We agree that the State of Qatar will engage in a constructive dialogue with the parties concerned if they want to reach a solution and overcome this crisis,” HE the Foreign Minister added, stressing that the State of Qatar is ready to hold positive dialogue with all countries if they have claims that based on clear evidence.

In a response to a question about whether he was informed by the US Secretary of State of any additional matters from the other side and whether they are ready for negotiations, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said “we talked about the matters in general , but the willingness to negotiate reflects the behavior they want.”

Al-Thani noted that, “we have heard statements that these demands are not negotiable, as this is contrary to the basis of international relations  to present lists of demands and to refuse to negotiate. To find serious solutions to the issues require a clear framework in accordance with international law to be respected by all parties, stipulating that all States should be on an equal footing in such crises so that clear and realistic grounds are negotiated for a solution.”

Al-Thani asked, “if the other side does not want to negotiate, what is its second option?”

“Is it the continuation of this siege and the unlawful measures?” he added, “We do not see fit in view of the legal violations committed by this party.”

The Minister said that if there are allegations, they must be supported by evidence, noting that demands should come after proving the allegations in order to address errors, if any. The causes of this crisis should be clearly discussed at their roots in order to find an appropriate understanding formula.

Concluding his statement, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that, “Washington says that the demands must be clear and feasible, otherwise it is unacceptable by the international community, Washington and others and we agree with them in terms of a realistic framework for negotiations if the parties want the solution”

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