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Egypt’s FM Says Arab States Cannot Accept Qatar’s Destructive Role | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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File photo of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Photo: Reuters)


Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that the four Arab states spending their efforts in the fight against terrorism “cannot accept Qatar’s destructive role,” adding that the international community must also be responsible in combating terrorism.

“The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies,” Shoukry said.

The top diplomat also said the situation no longer concerns accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism, since there are solid evidence and “witness” accounts on Doha’s involvement.

The minister said the four Arab states have decided to continue their coordination and discussion to consolidate Arab national security. He said discussion with Qatar will continue and an expected meeting will be held in Manama.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said upcoming discussions will take place on Qatar and any upcoming measures will be implemented in the right time.

“The boycott will remain,” he said at a news conference in Cairo after meeting with his counterparts from Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates over the crisis.

UAE’s foreign minister also said there needs to be an international effort to clear the region from those who support terrorism.

“The four countries received Qatar’s response through the mediation of Kuwait before the end of the extended period requested by His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait,” read their joint statement, adding “a joint response will be released in a timely manner.”

Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir received in Jeddah Qatar’s response to the 13 demands listed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in order to stop Doha’s support and finance of terrorism.

Asked if GCC will expel Qatar, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said it is not the right place to discuss this issue. The Bahraini minister, meanwhile, said the Qatar-backed Muslim Brotherhood must be held accountable for bloodshed in Egypt. Khalifa also said Wednesday’s meeting on Qatar was for coordination and a “clear, studied” decision to be taken later.