Saudi Arabia, allies launch new Qatar criticism

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and its allies on Friday criticised Qatar’s refusal of conditions to end the Gulf’s biggest diplomatic crisis in years as a threat to regional security.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt said Qatar’s rejection of a list of demands they set to lift sanctions on Doha “reflects its intention to continue its policy, aimed at destabilising security in the region,” said a statement on the official SPA news agency.

The four states in June announced the severing of all diplomatic ties with Qatar over allegations the emirate bankrolled Islamist extremists and had close ties with Saudi’s arch-rival Iran.

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On June 23, they issued a 13-point list of demands, including the shutdown of broadcast giant Al Jazeera, as a prerequisite to lift the sanctions, which include the closure of Qatar’s only land border and suspension of all flights to and from the country.

The Saudi foreign ministry on Wednesday said they had received Qatar’s response to their demands — which include Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood and closing broadcaster Al Jazeera.

Credit ratings agency Moody’s has announced it was changing the emirate’s outlook to negative from stable over the crisis.