Qatar Row: Arab States Expected To Impose More Sanctions
Local Editor
The four Arab states of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and Bahrain are reportedly set to consider fresh economic sanctions on Qatar at a meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
The foreign ministers of the four countries are "expected to impose sanctions that will gradually affect the Qatari economy," al-Hayat newspaper said, citing unnamed Gulf sources.
However, in a conciliatory move, Bahrain's foreign minister said the countries involved in the boycott were open to fresh talks with Qatar - if the country agreed to certain terms.
"The four countries are ready for dialogue with Qatar with the condition that it announces its sincere willingness to stop funding terrorism and extremism and its commitment to not interfere in other countries' foreign affairs and respond to the 13 demands," Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, Bahrain's foreign minister, said.
His comments were made during a TV news conference in Manama after meeting his counterparts to discuss the boycott.
"In the two-day meeting, the four countries will press Qatar to comply with their demands, which include stopping interference in their internal affairs," Egypt's government said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Times reported that the talks were part of the continued consultation between the four Arab states to review their position since the blockade on Qatar began on 5 July.
In this respect, King Hamad bin al-Khalifa of Bahrain praised cooperation between the four territories in the battle against terrorism, according to BNA, Bahrain's state news agency.
Kuwait, the United States and Turkey have been involved in diplomatic efforts to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but this has resulted in little progress.
Air and sea links to Doha have been cut by the four Arab states. Qatar has been receiving fresh produce from Turkey and Iran, while Oman has provided alternative ports to the UAE.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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