Qatar Gulf row is a ‘family issue’ says White House
The growing crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours has been called a “family” issue by the US government.
Press spokesman for the White House, Sean Spicer made the comments during an off camera briefing to journalists in Washington.
Sanctions on Qatar have been imposed by Saudi Arabia and its allies. Saudi Arabia and its allies have sent Qatar a list of 13 demands which it must meet before sanctions are lifted.
Among other demands is a demand that Qatar has to shut its Al Jazeera news network and cut back ties with Iran.
US has close ties with all the involved Arab states, however the US State Department and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have yet to make a formal statement on the demands that had been made public on Friday, 23rd June 2017.
Mr Spicer said that “The four countries that are part of that we believe it’s a family issue and that they should work [it] out. If we can help facilitate those discussions then so be it. They want to, and should work out for themselves.”
It was expected that Mr Tillerson will address the issue on Friday. Mr Tillerson had previously anticipated the release of a list of demands from the Saudis and their allies: Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The countries had wanted Qatar to comply to the 13 orders before they will lift severe sanctions, which were first imposed on it earlier this month.
Saudi Arabia along with its allies have accused Qatar of funding terrorism and fostering regional instability, these accusations have been denied by Qatar.
On the other hand the Qatari foreign ministry has confirmed early on Saturday, 24th June 2017, that it had received the list of demands, and would now “prepare an appropriate response.”
Conversely, the US President Donald Trump has also taken a hard line towards Qatar, the President has gone on to accuse it of being a “high level” sponsor of terrorism.
However, the largest US base in the Middle East is in Qatar, means it is caught in the middle.
What are the demands?
Sever all ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in other Arab states.
Refuse to naturalise citizens from the four countries and expel those currently on its territory, in what the countries describe as an effort to keep Qatar from meddling in their internal affairs.
Hand over all individuals who are wanted by the four countries for terrorism.
Stop funding any extremist entities that are designated as terrorist groups by the US.
Provide detailed information about opposition figures whom Qatar has funded, ostensibly in Saudi Arabia and the other nations.
Align itself politically, economically and otherwise with the Gulf Co-operation Council.
Stop funding other news outlets in addition to Al Jazeera, including Arabi21 and Middle East Eye.
Pay an unspecified sum in compensation.
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