Qatar says no one can dictate its foreign policy
June 12, 2017
While in Paris on Monday, Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani decried the sanctions against Doha by several Gulf countries, but said his country was open to diplomatic efforts to calm the situation.
"Qatar is willing to sit and negotiate about whatever is related to Gulf security," Sheikh Mohammed told a news conference in Paris following diplomatic meetings.
He called for "dialogue based on clear foundations" over accusations from Saudi Arabia and its allies that Doha supports extremist groups. The minister also said that Qatar supports Kuwait's mediation efforts.
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The foreign minister said that although Qatar was open to dialogue, its foreign policy would not be up for debate in any talks.
"Whatever relates to our foreign affairs... no one has the right to discuss," Sheikh Mohammed said. He also said that no one could pressure Qatar to silence the TV network Al Jazeera based in Doha.
"It's not about Iran or Al Jazeera," he said, referring to the Doha-based broadcaster. "We have no clue about the real reasons."
In an interview with Al Jazeera English on Monday, Qatar's economy minister said that despite the tensions, the small Gulf state would be able to maintain a high standard of living for its residents.
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Economy Minister Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani told the Qatar-funded channel that the country had a one-year reserve of materials for major construction projects - including the building of stadiums for the 2022 World Cup.
Both the foreign and economy ministers of Qatar are members of the Qatari royal family under Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's absolute monarchy, which is yet to realize reforms dating back to 2003 aiming to adopt a constitutional monarchy in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar last week, citing the country's alleged support for extremists. The same four countries also gave Qatari nationals two weeks to leave their territory.
rs/msh (AP, AFP, Reuters)