Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed, in a joint press conference held, at the Liberation Palace here today, the necessity of combating terrorism and drying up its sources, stressing that countries that support extremism and terrorism will not be tolerated. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said that the boycott of the State of Qatar will continue, until Doha adjusts its position, adding that additional steps will be taken in time after consultation with Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE. We have the sovereign right to make decisions consistent with international law, he stated, pointing out that the measures have been taken against Doha because of its support for terrorism and interference in the affairs of the region and spreading hatred, stressing the need to stop such efforts by Qatar. In response to a question on the existence of economic measures to be taken after the rejection of the requests of the four countries, he said that the joint statement of the four countries is clear, and this statement coincided with the response we received from Kuwait, but is not a response to it, adding that Saudi Arabia and the three sister countries have taken action against Qatar. This is not only the requirement of the four countries, but it is the demand from the international community, as a whole," he laid emphasis. Al-Jubeir pointed out that there is political and economic boycott, and it will continue until Qatar changes its policies for the better. As for the coming procedures, there is continuous consultation, he indicated, and we have the sovereign right to take any action that is consistent with international law. We will consider these matters and consult before announcing them, he stressed. On the situation of the support of both Turkey and Iran to Qatar, which finances and harbor terrorism, Al-Jubeir affirmed that Iran is the first state sponsoring terrorism in the world, for it supports any state sponsoring terrorism in the world. For any country dealing with Iran, the result is very negative, he asserted, as there is no interest in dealing with Iran, indicating that Iran is a fringe state and is considered almost out of international law and an isolated country in the world, so it is not surprising that Iran is trying to get closer to Qatar, Al-Jubeir commented. On the Turkish position, he said that Ankara told us that it is neutral, and we hope that it will continue to be neutral, pointing that the crisis is related to the Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Those who want to organize terrorism, spread hatred and interfer in the affairs of others, these things are rejected by the international community and not only the Arab quartet, which have taken these actions because they have suffered for many policies carried out by Qatar, he added. Al-Jubeir lauded the determination and will of the four countries in their fight against terrorism, citing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has succeeded in overturning the situation from the defensive to the offensive and pre-emptive. Also we have built successful relations with some countries of the world, enabling us to unveil several terror plots against foreign countries, he said, citing the a booby-trapped cargo plane heading for the United States. He said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have imposed a money-laundering monitor system which helped discover terror-oriented bank transactions, barred charities from sending money abroad, enacted terror money transfers, and indicted many terrorists who took part in terrorist acts abroad. Some of them were imprisoned for terror and extremism financial support accusations, the minister of foreign affairs said. Al-Jubeir stated that Saudi Arabia has adopted a new approach to address the issue of terrorism intellectually, citing changes in education, media and information, public dialogue and rehabilitation programs, cultural programs and establishing anti-terror and extremism centers abroad. He stressed the need for an international cooperation, in terms of money and mentality, to fight the phenomenon as imperative conditions for success. He said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on the world's anti-terror front platform, recalling that it has hosted an international terror combat conference in which more than 50 countries took part, issuing a recommendation to establish an international center for combating terrorism under the umbrella of the United Nations. He disclosed that terrorists who started their attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia long ago, were aiming at controlling Makkah and Al-Madinah, Muslims two major holy cities, to address Muslims of the world from there. He urged everybody "to help us in this war". Al-Jubeir said it is impossible to give room for a non-tolerance policy. He explained that we don't accept that Qatar, a GCC and Arab League ally, to host an air base from which aircraft fly to attack Daesh and at the same time it harbors and finances terror groups and networks and ignores those who recruit terror-prospect youths. He denied taking the announced measures to harm Qatar. Instead, we want to help it as this goes in the benefit of Qatar, our countries, the region and the world, he added. Al-Jubeir raised what he termed as some sort of tolerance for extremists in Europe where they are free to work under the pretext of freedom of opinion. He expressed belief that some European countries started to be aware that some terrorists and extremists are practicing hatred address which directly leads to violence. He concluded that such policies should be reconsidered. For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the current state of separation from Qatar will continue until it changes its course. He made these remarks during a joint press conference held here today, indicating that despite the four countries' patience, Qatar had not shown any interest in its brothers or surroundings. "Doha has no interest in its brethren, nor its surroundings. It is interested in extremism, instigation, subversion and terrorism,"he added. He noted that the goal of all countries of the world is to provide better opportunities to their respective peoples to grow, prosper and lead a stable and secure life. He regretted the fact that for the past two decades, Doha took the path of destruction and chaos. The four countries will remain separated from Qatar until it changes its course from destruction to construction, he confirmed. "We will make every possible effort to confront terrorism in the region", he stated. The region has suffered a lot of chaos and destruction and we have high hopes for a better future to our children. We are sovereign countries and will protect ourselves against terrorism and extremism in line with the international law", he remarked. On the other hand, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the four countries reiterated the necessity to combat terrorism and to dry up its sources. He stressed that there will be a zero tolerance with the Qatari role in supporting extremism and terrorism. For his part, the Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the principles agreed by the four countries are the same that are embraced by the whole world. Our role is to stand in the face of Daesh terrorism, as well as the terrorism that comes from Iran, he said. On the Muslim Brotherhood, he said the group is involved in harming Egypt and shedding blood of its people and other peoples, he added. Therefore, we consider them a terrorist organisation and every one belonging to them or showing sympathy with them, will be tried for that, he commented. Asked about the possibility of discontinuing Qatar's membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Khalid said: "This is for the GCC to discuss. Today's meeting is about coordinating stances following the negative Qatari reply. We do not want to take hasty decisions, because such decisions are important and will impact the current situation."
