02 August, 2017
On Saturday, however, prior to the excitement, Doha had indeed accused Riyadh of politicizing the Hajj.
On June 5, the Saudi-led bloc cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar - the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas - over allegations the emirate supported extremism and had close ties to Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival.
The meeting of foreign ministers was attended by Saudi Arabia's Adel Al-Jubeir, the UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Egypt's Sameh Shoukry and Bahrain's Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.
The list of demands include immediate end to the "funding of terrorism", closure of Doha-based Al-Jazeera news network, defunctioning of Turkish military base, curbing bilateral relations with Iran as per the GCC recommendations, and snapping off all ties with the banned Muslim Brotherhood. On June 23, the four Arab states drew up a list of demands, presenting Qatar with a 10-day window to comply.
"In an interview with Al Jazeera Television, the foreign minister said: "Qatar did not politicise Haj, but it was regrettably politicised by Saudi Arabia".
There are no grounds for optimism to resolve the crisis with Qatar now because of its practices.
"It is for the Qatari leadership to decide the approach they want for Qatar and for the people of Qatar", he added.
For his part, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed underlined the need to abide by the global law in any measure taken towards Qatar. "We actually do more than them in countering terrorism". He did not explain in what areas the four countries would be "ready for dialog" then. There is no acknowledgement that the measures which were taken against Qatar are illegal and unjust.
"The entire campaign represents a series of violations of global law", Qatar foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters after meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
On Sunday, foreign ministers of the four countries said they were ready for dialogue with Qatar if it showed willingness to tackle their demands.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation represented the UAE during the meeting.
The Saudi statement said the air corridors were identified under supervision of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Ministers reviewed the latest developments regarding Qatar crisis as well as the contacts they made regionally and internationally in this regard.
