JEDDAH – The four Arab countries which cut ties with Qatar over allegedly supporting extremists have said that Doha’s rejection of the demands posed a threat to regional security.
In a statement, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates also warned that new political and economic measures will be taken against the country if it continued with its policy of destabilising security.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirmed that ties will not be restored to normal until Qatar changes its course.
He made these remarks during a joint press conference on Thursday, adding, “Doha has no interest in its brethren, nor its surroundings. It is interested in extremism, instigation, subversion and terrorism.”
The four countries cut ties with Qatar on June 5 over allegations that the Emirate supported Islamist extremists and had close relations with Iran.
On June 23, the countries sent a list of 13 demands, including the shutdown of broadcast giant Al-Jazeera.
In its response to the demands, Doha rejected the demands terming them “unrealistic” and “were made to be rejected.”
