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U.S, Russia continue to negotiate with Gulf countries over crisis

31 August 2017 [14:56] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews


By Ali Mustafayev

The deepening crisis triggered by Saudi-led efforts to boycott Qatar has prompted Russia and the U.S. to intensify the efforts to solve the Gulf crisis.

Russia, which voiced readiness to contribute to resolution of the confrontation, is trying to maintain a delicate balance as it has close ties with Qatar and is cooperating with Saudi Arabia to stabilize oil markets and resolve the Syrian issue. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Qatari officials on August 30 as part of a regional visit that saw him travel to the UAE and Kuwait previously.

In Doha, Lavrov and Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani mulled the developments of the current Gulf crisis.

Abdulrahman Al-Thani voiced Qatar's readiness for dialogue with the siege countries, noting that the State of Qatar has presented an official request to Kuwait stating its readiness for dialogue but it has not yet been answered by the siege countries.

“Qatar welcomes the Russian position, and all efforts from friendly countries that support the Kuwaiti mediation process and a diplomatic solution to this crisis unconditionally,” he added.

Stressing Moscow's support for the Kuwaiti mediation, Lavrov voiced Russia's keenness on a unified and strong Gulf Cooperation Council, noting that there is no need for new problems in the region.

Unfortunately, the visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov showed no signs of having eased tensions among the Gulf Arab powers.

The United States is also trying to heal a bitter dispute between Qatar and four Arab countries that has damaged business ties and disrupted travel for thousands of people.

President Donald Trump has called for a diplomatic solution for the crisis, urging them to follow their commitment in fighting terrorism.

Trump made the remarks during a telephonic conversation with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on August 30, the White House said in readout of the conversation between the two leaders.

“The president urged that all parties to the Qatar dispute find a diplomatic resolution that follows through on their commitments made at the Riyadh Summit, to maintain unity while fighting terrorism. The two leaders also addressed the threat that Iran poses to the region,” it said.

Trump and King Salman also discussed the need to defeat terrorism, cut off terrorists’ funding and combat extremist ideology.

In early June, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Emirates severed political and trade ties with the small gas-rich country, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Several other countries followed the “Arab four” and reduced their diplomatic relations with Doha.

Doha denies the charges dismissing them as "baseless" violation of country’s interests and political freedom.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/regions/164581.html

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