Kuwait pledges fresh efforts to resolve Qatar crisis
Dispute has weakened Gulf unity, Kuwaiti PM says
Cairo: Kuwait will go ahead with its efforts to resolve a years-long dispute between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sabah Al Khaled has said.
He told the parliament that the row, which erupted in mid-2017 has weakened unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“No doubt, we all realise the scale of uphill challenges and dangers at the level of developments in our region, prompting strenuous efforts to protect our security and stability, and preserve our interests,” he said.
His remarks came weeks after the death of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah who had championed mediation efforts to defuse the crisis.
“Kuwait will continue good efforts to end the Gulf disagreement that has erupted among brothers, weakened our unity and harmed our gains,” the prime minister said.
“We will continue work to enhance the GCC and constructive interaction with its mechanisms, being a framework serving our interests and fulfilling our people’s aspirations,” Al Khaled added.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic and transportation links with Qatar over its support for extremist groups.
The quartet has set several conditions to mend ties with Qatar, including the emirate’s severance of links with militant and terror groups.
Doha has refused the conditions, saying they violate its sovereignty.
Kuwait has since attempted to resolve the row, but without success so far.
The Arab quartet has accused Qatar of lacking seriousness in resolving the crisis.