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. -- More 01:00 LOCAL TIME 22:00 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1645501
