Qatar dismiss demands, Arab states angry

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Qatar has been in the bad books of four Arab nations for their alleged support for extremist groups. The Arab nations are unhappy after Qatar responded “negatively” to their demands for ending the crisis disturbing the region. The four Arab nations felt that Doha response to their demands was not serious and the nations felt that Qatar did not understand the seriousness of the situation. The announcement was made when the foreign ministers of the four Arab nations, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain met in Cairo after receiving the reply from Doha. The four nations blamed Qatar of continuing close tie-ups with Shiite power Iran, who is Saudi Arabia’s enemy. They also warned Qatar not to interfere in their affairs. The crisis became a concern in the global community because neither side appears to back down. Qatar is the world biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas and hosts 10,000 American troops at al-Udeid Air Base. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is trying to ease the tension. US President Donald Trump called on all parties involved in the dispute to constructively discuss and stop terrorist financing and dishonour radical principles. The statement from the White House came in a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. The four nations may force financial sanctions or force Qatar out of the Gulf Cooperation Council which serves as a compensation to Iran. The German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel had talks with officials in both sides. He said Germany supported UAE’s endeavours at dealing with terrorism and at the same time wanted GCC to find a common ground.

Qatar meanwhile condemned the four Arab nations for trying to separate Qatar under the sign of fighting terrorism. Qatar Airways routes over its neighbours have been closed but Doha has been able to import food and goods from other countries. The country’s only land border is with Saudi Arabia and it is economy which is energised with the natural gas exports and is withstanding the crisis even though there is anxiety on its stock market and currency.

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