Qatar FM: We won’t negotiate until blockade is lifted
June 19, 2017
Qatari FM says Gulf states have to lift blockade before Doha takes part in any talks on ending Gulf diplomatic crisis.
Qatar said it would rely on other states like Iran and Turkey if the embargo continues [Reuters]
Qatar will not negotiate with Arab states that have cut economic and travel ties with it unless they reverse their measures and lift the blockade, its foreign minister said, ruling out discussions over Qatar’s internal affairs including Al Jazeera TV.
“Qatar is under blockade, there is no negotiation. They have to lift the blockade to start negotiations,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told reporters in Doha on Monday.
“Until now we didn’t see any progress about lifting the blockade, which is the precondition for anything to move forward.”
Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar had still not received any demands from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, who severed relations two weeks ago, triggering the worst Gulf Arab crisis in years.
