British FM to discuss Qatar with Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini counterparts

Three separate bilateral meetings will be held in London this evening between British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson and his Saudi, UAE and Bahraini counterparts, reported Al Arabiya.

The crisis with Qatar is believed to be the highlight of these meetings. Johnson issued a statement a few days ago urging Qatar to take the concerns of its neighbors seriously and to do more to end the backing of extremist groups.

As regional and international efforts continue to try to contain the Qatari crisis, the British prime minister asked Doha authorities to make a greater effort to tackle terrorism in the region.

The UAE foreign minister also stressed the importance of the fact that Qatar should take decisive action on counter-terrorism and stop the provocation and interference in neighboring countries’ affairs.

The efforts and mediations to contain the crisis with Qatar and its neighbors still has no positive signs from Doha so far. The Arab, American and European counterparts have sent similar messages to Qatar, to counter terrorism and to calm fears related to its practices.

The UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed recently met with his US counterpart Rex Tillerson in Washginton.The UAE foreign minister asked Doha to take decisive action to stop funding terrorist groups, refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of its neighboring countries and ending the hostile media platforms which incite and promote extremism.

Washington denied that it had any intention to host a summit to discuss the crisis, dodging speculation that it may put its political and diplomatic pressure for a solution to Qatar’s crisis.

In a telephone conversation with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, British Prime Minister Theresa May called for steps to ease tensions, engage wisely in dialogue and to restore the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council as soon as possible calling on Qatar to do more to counter terrorism in the region.