Qatari FM slams 'unfair', 'illegal' blockade

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA) - Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani Monday denounced the sanctions imposed by five Gulf states on his country as “unfair” and “illegal”.

Speaking at the Embassy of Qatar in Paris, the minister said Qatar has no idea as to why Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed the blockade.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar, for its part, denied the accusations, calling the move "unjustified."

Thani, who is holding talks with "allies and friends" countries such as France, the United Kingdom and Germany, welcomed their efforts to help "lift the illegal and unfair sanctions".

He said Qatar welcomes Kuwait's mediation efforts and that his country is ready "to engage in dialogue positively... based on clear foundations" and in accordance with the international law.

The minister ruled out any attempt of interference in his country's affairs, saying no one could dictate his country's "foreign policy".

"Qatar is ready to sit down and negotiate [with the Gulf countries] about the security of the Gulf, but no one has the right to discuss our foreign policy," he said.

"We have an independent foreign policy, nobody can discuss it."