As the world watches the developments in the Middle East with bated breath, Qatar today handed its official response to a list of demands by Saudi Arabia and its allies to the Emir of Kuwait, a Gulf official told the news agency AFP.
The response of the Qatar government was delivered by its Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who made a short visit to Kuwait, the Gulf official said, requesting anonymity.
The official KUNA news agency reported that Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Kuwait earlier today to deliver a message from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
However, no details were provided about the Qatari response but the foreign minister said on Saturday that the demands by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt "were made to be rejected".
The Qatari response was delivered hours after the four nations accepted a call by Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah to extend the 10-day deadline for another 48 hours. The response will be the focus of a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday of foreign ministers from the four countries that have cut ties with Qatar.
Also read: Qatar ready to negotiate but will not compromise on sovereignty
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump spoke separately to Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Sunday to discuss his "concerns about the ongoing dispute" between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours. Trump also underscored that unity in the region is critical to accomplishing the Riyadh Summit's goals of defeating "terrorism" and promoting regional stability, the White House said.
Trump also rang the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday night, reported the Qatar News Agency (QNA). The phone call dealt with the latest developments of the GCC crisis and its implications in the region. The call also reviewed the American position, as well as international stances regarding the crisis, which call for dialogue and diplomacy in order to maintain the security and stability of the region, reported the QNA.
