Manama – The efforts led by Emir of Kuwait Shiekh Sabah al-Ahmad to contain the Qatari crisis depend only on the Doha leadership, according to Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed al-Khalifa
Khalifa said that Qatar has launched many campaigns against his country, reiterating that the only way for the relations to be restored is if Qatar distances itself from Gulf’s number one enemy: Iran.
He confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Bahrain’s position in this crisis is in line with that of Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the results of the meeting between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and King Hamad, Bahrain’s FM said that it was an important meeting like any other with complete agreement and coordination. He added that both leaders agreed that Qatar must change its policies and rectify its path.
Khalifa said that the two Kings agreed that Qatar must commit to the previously signed agreements and any new pledges should have guarantees to ensure they are not violated.
The FM explained that for over 20 years, Qatar had been wrongfully treating Bahrain despite being part of unified identity descending from the same tribes and families. He added that Doha supported and funded people who wanted to sabotage his country.
In 2011, Qatar even supported the events in Bahrain creating more chaos, according to the FM.
Concerning al-Jazeera news channel, Khalifah said that the channel insisted on portraying Bahrainis in the worst possible way.
He added that Bahrain will not stop until things are settled within the Gulf Council.
Regarding the terms set by Gulf Council to end the altercations with Bahrain, the FM said conditions posed by the four countries for a resolution of the crisis were clear.
“Qatar has to redress its path and has to go back to all previous commitments, it has to stop media campaigns and has to distance itself from our number one enemy, Iran,” he said.
“It has to realize its interests are with us, not with another country that conspires against us, wants to dominate and divide us. It has to stop supporting terrorist organizations, Sunni or Shiites, and its policy has to be for the benefit of its people,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
He stressed that Bahrain will not hesitate to protect its interests and the road is open to any options to protect itself from Qatar.
FM Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the Kuwaiti mediation to resolve an Arab row with Qatar.
“The Emir of Kuwait is a messenger of good, but the policies of Qatar have not granted his endeavors success,” he said. He did, however, say that if it failed, Qatar is responsible for not giving Emir of Kuwait the chance to bring everyone together.
“The success of these efforts, its results and what it will achieve all depend on Qatar,” the FM concluded.