The Saudi-led group of four nations that have imposed a blockade on Qatar for its alleged “support for “terrorism” have issued a statement saying that Doha's response to their demands to end the crisis was “not serious”.
The statement came after foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain, involved in the dispute with Qatar, met in Cairo after receiving Doha's response to their list of demands.
In a joint press conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told reporters that Qatar's response was generally negative and failed to lay the foundation for Qatar's reversal of the policies it pursues.
He described Doha's response as a “position that reflects a failure to realise the gravity of the situation” and hoped that “wisdom will prevail and Qatar will eventually make the right decisions.”
The Saudi foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, told reporters that further steps against Qatar would be taken at the appropriate time and will be in line with international law.
He added, “The political and economic boycott will remain until Qatar changes its policies for the better. The embargo will remain in place until Qatar rectifies its policies.”
He also said, “In respect to future measures, we are in constant communication. We are states of sovereignties and we have the right to take any measures in line with international law.”
However, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was more belligerent in his criticism of Qatar, saying it is only interested in “destruction, incitement, extremism and terrorism.”
Earlier, the four Arab countries issued a 13-point list of demands on June 22, giving Qatar 10 days to respond. That period was then extended to Wednesday at the request of Kuwait, which is mediating the crisis.