UAE says Qatar media ‘determined to undermine’ efforts to end standoff
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UAE says Qatar media ‘determined to undermine’ efforts to end standoff

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain & Egypt cut links with Qatar in 2017, accusing it of maintaining close ties with Iran. But talks of a breakthrough began to circulate this month.

Abbas Al Lawati    

Qatar's capital Doha | Representational image | Pixabay

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates said there is support for mending the standoff with Qatar, but the media there is “undermining” that effort.

The political and social climate in the Arabian Gulf looks toward ending the Qatar crisis, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a tweet on Tuesday. “But Qatari media outlets seem determined to undermine any agreement,” he said. “A strange phenomenon.”

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic, trade and transport links with Qatar in 2017, accusing the gas-rich country of maintaining close ties with Iran and supporting terrorism. Qatar denies the charges.

But talks of a potential breakthrough began to circulate earlier this month. Kuwait’s foreign minister said last week that a meeting Gulf leaders was planned for Jan. 5 in Riyadh.

People with knowledge of the matter said that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are close to a preliminary rapprochement that may not initially include the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.

Also read: Now, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are nearing a US-brokered deal to end their 3-year rift