Qatar puts its political ambitions ahead of its people, UAE's Gargash says

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says Doha is paying journalists to come and celebrate 'one year of isolation'

UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash attends the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the 28th Summit of the Arab League in Riyadh on April 12, 2018. Fayez NurelShow more

UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Tuesday that Qatar puts its "impossible" political ambitions ahead of the interests of its own people.

"A Western journalist brought to my attention that press delegations are heading to Doha on paid holidays to celebrate one year after Qatar's isolation," Dr Gargash tweeted.

"The 'remaining in place' art of diplomacy did not hold back Qatar's crisis for failing to address the reasons and instead focused on media and festivities."

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut all ties with Qatar on June 5 last year over its support of extremist groups and interference in the affairs of other countries.

Dr Gargash also said: "After one year of Qatar's crisis and isolation, the basic lesson learnt is the dominance of an impossible political ambition over the public interest.

"Paid festivities are nothing but an exploited echo and in order to buy off your neighbour and your surroundings it is important to stop harming them."

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The four Arab countries stand firm by their decision to boycott Qatar, saying they are willing to re-establish communications with Doha only if it adheres to regional and international agreements and the demands and principles they have issued.

Doha has so far refused to meet the quartet's 13 demands – including the closure of Qatar-owned Al Jazeera news channel, which the quartet says provides a platform for extremists and dissidents.