Measures against Qatar came after long patience

The United Arab Emirates has affirmed that the joint measures it has taken, along with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arab Republic of Egypt, came after a long patience and after Qatar dishonoured the agreements it signed, said Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Addressing the 148th session of the Arab League Council in Cairo, Tuesday, Dr. Gargash said the measures were not aimed at the sovereignty of Qatar, but at mitigating the damage on the four countries and on the region's stability.

"It is important that the approach of supporting terrorism and extremism and interfering in our and other Arab countries' affairs changes. We will continue our measures against Qatar until that approach is changed and until we ensure that we are safe from such hostile policies. The solution, however, is not in escalation, but in a political framework for a dialogue that responds to the 13 demands (made by the four countries)," he added.

Dr. Gargash referred to Iran and its allies' continuous interference in the Arab countries' affairs and their continuous support to the extremist and sectarian groups in a number of Arab countries.

He renewed UAE's call to Iran to reach a peaceful solution that ends its occupation of the UAE's three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, either through direct negotiations or by referring the issue to arbitration, in line with the UN charter and the international law.

Dr. Gargash also referred to the expanding phenomenon of terrorism in the Arab world, saying the conflicts in the region are fuelled by those who dislike peace and who dedicate their resources to supporting extremism, terrorism and sectarianism.

On the Palestinian question, Dr. Gargash expressed rejection of Israel's attempts to change the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, in clear violation of the international legitimacy.

On Yemen, he said the UAE believes in the importance of full commitment to supporting legitimacy, maintaining Yemen's unity and sovereignty and rejecting interference in its internal affairs.

He also emphasised the importance of political solution in Yemen on the basis of the GCC initiative, the outcome of the Yemeni national dialogue and the international resolutions, including the Security Council's resolution 2216.

Dr. Gargash also stressed the need to contain the Syrian crisis and to eliminate the terrorist and extremist groups, there, particularly Daesh group. He renewed UAE's support to the UN efforts to hold talks among the different parties in the Syrian crisis.

He also renewed UAE's support to Iraq in its war against Daesh. He praised the sacrifices made by the Iraqi people, backed by the international coalition forces.

On the developments in Libya, he explained the UAE's position in support of all regional and international efforts to achieve national unity and stability. He welcomed the efforts of Ghassan Salama, the new UN envoy to Libya.

Dr. Gargash commended the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to successfully organise Hajj this year by providing all facilities to the pilgrims.

He renewed UAE's support to the government and people of Egypt in confronting and eliminating terrorism and affirmed support to the Arab brethren in their endeavours to achieve development, security, stability and peace in the region.