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Riyadh should mind own affairs instead of meddling in others', says Qatari envoy to Moscow

"Whoever wants to improve the situation in the region should start with themselves," the ambassador said

MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia should mind its own affairs instead of meddling in the affairs of other countries, Qatar’s Ambassador to Moscow Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah said in an interview with TASS, commenting on the Saudi crown prince’s statement, in which he had said that in a few years, the Middle East might turn into a new Europe.

"We would like to advise Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud to mind his country’s domestic affairs and stay out of the affairs of others. Our region has been going through a tough period since 2010, many revolutions took place and conflicts still remain," the ambassador said. "All of this is a result of years-long pressure and the oppression of people. This is why whoever wants to improve the situation in the region should start with themselves and refrain from making big statements," he added.

When speaking about the diplomatic blockade of Qatar, Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah pointed out that Doha had not yet received a response to its initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis. "They continue to make unilateral decisions that run counter to the rules developed by the international community, particularly by the United Nations," the Qatari ambassador noted.

Gulf crisis

On June 5, 2017, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Yemen, the interim government of Libya, the Maldives and Mauritius, announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Qatar, citing Doha’s hostile policies, interference in other Arab countries’ internal affairs and support of terrorism. However, Doha said the move was unreasonable and rejected all accusations as groundless.

Russia said it would not meddle in the situation. Moscow also expressed hope that the issue would be solved peacefully and would not become an obstacle in the fight against terrorism.

On June 22, four Arab countries, including Bahrain, laid down conditions for restoring diplomatic relations, which particularly included reducing ties with Iran, closing the Al-Jazeera TV channel and putting an end to military cooperation with Turkey. Qatar’s government said that the demands were unacceptable as they had nothing to do with the fight against terrorism but aimed to limit the country’s sovereignty.

Later, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates set 13 conditions before Qatar, while Kuwait has been acting as a mediator.