Gov’t expects GCC to mend fences

AMMAN — Jordan does not intend to interfere in the ongoing crisis between Gulf countries, a senior official said on Thursday, adding that the parties are likely to address their differences soon. 

In response to questions on the rift between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, pitting Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain against Qatar, Political and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Khaled Kalaldeh said he expects these countries to leave their difference behind and normalise their ties. 

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain last week recalled their ambassadors from Qatar for allegedly interfering in their internal affairs.

Qatar categorically denied the accusation and did not recall its envoys.

The GCC, established in 1981 by the said four nations, along with Kuwait and Oman, has been seen as a stable bloc and a rare solid inter-governmental union in the Arab area. 

The move is widely seen as signalling the three countries’ anger at Qatar’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, according to Agence France-Presse.

Doha said it “regretted” the decision to recall the envoys, which it said was based on differences concerning regional issues.

The Brotherhood is widely banned in the Gulf, and the UAE has sentenced scores of alleged members to jail, while Qatar has served as a refuge for Brotherhood sympathisers from other countries.

Qatar defended its independent foreign policy on Monday, saying it is committed to openness.

“Our policy is based on openness towards all, and we do not want to exclude anyone,” Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid Al Attiya said during a visit to Paris, in remarks aired by Doha-based Al Jazeera television, according to AFP.