We have right to cut ties, say Gulf states

Manama : The decisions to cut ties with Qatar were the sovereign right of the states concerned and to protect the national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain said in a joint statement issued yesterday.

“The measures were taken after exhausting all possible means as a result of Qatar’s failure to comply with the Riyadh Agreement for the return of ambassadors and its supplementary agreement of 2014,” the three Gulf countries said in Geneva, in response to a statement issued by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on June 14 on the impact of the Qatar diplomatic crisis on human rights, following the diplomatic action.

“Qatar continued its support, funding and hosting of terrorist, extremist and sectarian organizations,” the three countries said, adding, these decisions were taken in full conformity with the fundamental principles of Public International Law. 

On human rights they said several measures were taken aimed at addressing humanitarian and health cases. 

“Hot lines have been established in each country so that cases can be reported and appropriate action be taken, in a manner consistent with international obligations under international human rights law and our long humanitarian traditions,” the three Gulf countries said.

The Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also reaffirmed their willingness to continue working with the concerned parties in order to achieve the desired results of this break-up, namely, to maintain security, combat terrorism and safeguard the stability and well-being of the people of the region, in full respect for their human rights’ and international humanitarian law’s commitments, they said.

On June 5, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt announced that they would break diplomatic ties with Qatar for supporting terrorist organizations and destabilizing the situation in the Middle East. Several countries cut ties with Doha later.