Qatar echoing its stances only worsens crisis: UAE minister

CAIRO – 22 July 2017: “I wished Tamim's speech would have delivered an initiative to review {its stances} and an invitation for reconciliation,” UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Qarqash said via his official Twitter account on Saturday on the Qatari emir’s speech made on Friday evening.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivered a speech on the future of Qatar in light of the current Gulf crisis on Friday, admitting the negative impacts of the crisis on the tiny emirate.

Qarqash further said that Qatar’s stances have become clear and echoing them only worsens the crisis, adding that dialogue is important and paramount, but reviewing its stances is the crux of it.

In June, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain broke diplomatic ties with Qatar over accusations that the tiny emirate supports terrorists and extremist groups.

During his speech, Tamim admitted there are ongoing disagreements with some GCC countries.

He also said all the allegations against Qatar are not true and praised how Qatari organizations and citizens have dealt with the crisis. He also added that the crisis has boosted relations with other countries.

He said the stage that Qatar is currently going through is very crucial. “We are not afraid to correct mistakes,” said Tamim.