Qatar's Gulf neighbours should lift blockade: Rex Tillerson

Continuing attempts to diffuse the gulf crisis, U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has called on Qatar's Gulf neighbours to take some positive action by lifting their economic blockade on the oil-rich state.

"I hope as a sign of good faith they will lift that blockade. That would be a positive development," the Guardian quoted Tillerson as saying.

Earlier this week, the UAE said it expected an extended impasse in the ongoing dispute and gave no indication of lifting the blockade to let dialogue begin.

Last week, Tillerson praised Qatar for becoming the first state in the region to sign a new memorandum of understanding with Washington on tracking the flow of terrorist financing.

Speaking in Washington on Friday, he said Qatar had been aggressive in implementing the agreement to address concerns over terrorism and terror financing.

"So we are satisfied with the effort they are putting it forward. I think they have also indicated a willingness to sit with the four parties and negotiate and discuss the four demands. They have indicated that the sovereignty and dignity of all five countries most be preserved," Tillerson said.

Tillerson pressed on saying that would be "a good sign" if the four countries lifted their blockade, which has closed air routes, land border, forced Qatar to arrange emergency food supplies from elsewhere.