Both Turkey and the US wade into the Qatar crisis with calls for mutual dialogue and peace in the Gulf region.
ADVERTISEMENTTurkey has called for “mutual dialogue” in the fall out between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE and Yemen have all cut off diplomatic ties with Doha amid accusations it has been supporting terrorism.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered assistance. The Turkish president warned isolation and embargoes would do little to resolve the situation.
“We appreciate Qatar’s laid back and constructive stance. Trying to isolate Qatar, which certainly carries out an efficient fight against terrorism, will not contribute to resolve any problems.”
US President Donald Trump also waded in, initially claiming he had been integral to helping pile the pressure on Qatar.
So good to see the Saudi Arabia visit with the King and 50 countries already paying off. They said they would take a hard line on funding...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2017
==> …extremism, and all reference was pointing to Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2017
== However, he later appeared to change his tune. In a phone call to King Salman of Saudi Arabia, he reportedly pushed for “peace and security in the region.”
The mixed messages continued. In a separate statement, the Pentagon thanked Doha for accommodating the largest US air force base in the Middle East, while Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, issued this statement.
“There’s been tension among Qatar’s neighbours for quite some time. And the situation was notified through proper diplomatic channels. The United States continues to be in close communication with all the parties to resolve the issues and restore cooperation which is so important to regional security there.”
There’s no quick resolution in sight. Borders have been closed and travel and embassy ties with Doha cut. Qatar strongly denies backing radical Islam.