Qatar says dialogue is only way to resolve Gulf dispute

Qatar believes that the only way to resolve the Gulf crisis is through open dialogue, Qatar TV quoted Qatari Deputy Prime Minister as saying on Sunday night.

Khalid bin Mohammed al Attiyah, also Minister of State for Defence Affairs, said during an interview on Qatar TV talk show Al Haqiqa, "The Truth", that the ongoing dispute between the gulf countries has a historic background.

He added that the current rift and war against Qatar started in 2013 when it was planned to "shock the new government and make the country subject to others."

In 2014, an agreement was signed in Riyadh, which was binding on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) members.

However, the Qatari Emir refused to sign a modified document that was not binding on other GCC countries but Qatar specifically, he said.

The minister also reiterated that Qatar has never supported any extremist group in Egypt or Syria or at any other country.

"Qatar is working along with international coalitions to ensure the people's welfare and security," the minister said.

About the Taliban political office in Doha, the Qatari minister explained the opening of the office came upon the US demand, and Qatar did so in order to restore peace in Afghanistan.

Regarding the readiness of the Qatari Armed Forces, he stressed that the forces are highly qualified, enjoyed a high morale, and are well-prepared to defend Qatar and combat terrorism.

On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt severed their diplomatic and trade relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremists and of funding terrorism.

Qatar has strongly denied the allegations.

--IANS

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