Qatar to talk to Saudi-led bloc 'without preconditions'

DOHA (AA) – Qatar’s foreign minister on Monday voiced his country’s readiness to discuss possible means of resolving an ongoing crisis in inter-Arab relations -- which first erupted in 2017 -- "without preconditions".

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made the remarks at a joint press conference in Doha with African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki, according to Al Jazeera.

“Qatar is ready to enter dialogue without preconditions,” the FM was quoted as saying. “But dialogue means that both sides should be committed to finding a solution.”

On Sunday, Qatari officials discussed the issue with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to whom they stressed the importance of restoring Arab unity.

In June of 2017, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain abruptly severed all ties with Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar has vociferously denied the accusations, describing the Saudi-led embargo as a violation of international law and its national sovereignty.