Qatar welcomes ‘real’ initiative meant to end Saudi-led blockade: Envoy

Qatar’s Ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi says Doha welcomes any genuine initiative that would end the economic and diplomatic blockade Saudi Arabia and a number of its allies imposed on the gas-rich kingdom in June 2017.

“Qatar has always been keen on maintaining the unity of Persian Gulf littoral states to face challenges in the region. Qatar's doors are always open to any real initiative to lift the blockade, respect the country's sovereignty, prevent interference in its internal affairs and respect international law and the principle of equality between states,” he said in an exclusive interview with Turkey’s official Anadolu news agency on Wednesday.

“Any propped initiative must take into account that Qatar will never compromise on its sovereignty and will not accept diktats from any party.

“We are always open to unconditional civil dialogue based on the principle of equality, respect for sovereignty and international law, and non-interference in internal affairs,” the diplomat pointed out.

“The region now needs cohesion and cooperation more than ever, and [the crisis] directly affected the lives of citizens, tore the social ties of many families, and prevented them from practicing their religious rites,” Al Shafi said.

He went on to say that Doha has experienced a “systematic campaign” aimed at its marginalization and discredit.

“The calm Qatari diplomacy, however, has managed to prevail over such trifling and heinous acts. Qatar has kept the door open to any dialogue or effort to end the rift,” Al Shafi said.

ME