'Qatar, Gulf neighbours impasse needs UN intervention'

Accra, June 21 (IANS/MAP) An international security expert has called on the UN to initiate direct talks between Qatar and the Gulf countries over growing concerns that Doha is funding extremist groups.

Irbard Ibrahim, Executive Director of Irbard Security Consult, while speaking at Dormaa-Ahenkro on Tuesday, appealed to the UN to conduct an independent inquiry into allegations levelled against Qatar.

"It looks like Qatar is not caving in anytime soon. Its leaders say they will not be cowed or intimidated into submission and the country's Foreign Affairs Minister is building new alliances around the world to fend off the blockade," he said.

"Only time will tell how things pan out eventually and what the fate of the Gulf Cooperation Council will be after this crisis", Ibrahim said.

He said that "a Middle East that is united will mean a better chance for global peace, stability and security".

Ibrahim appealed to the international community to speak out "echoing their sentiments and recommend dialogue discouraging the hardening of entrenched positions for the sake of international peace".

--IANS/MAP

soni/bg