‘Cheap media’ won’t solve crisis: minister

Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi yesterday warned Qatar to stop playing ‘cheap media’ tricks, which the minister said would “not be effective in solving the crisis”. “Bahrain’s stance towards the Qatari crisis is based on clear and just demands that have to be achieved,” the Minister said adding: “Attempts to solve the Qatari crisis through ‘cheap media’ will not be effective.” In a statement to Al Ayam newspaper, during a visit to the Al-Ayam’s Ramadan Majlis, the minister said, “Qatari media outlets are trying to exploit open space to mix up papers.”

 The minister said the stance of Bahrain in the issue is well-established and consistent with those of brotherly countries.”  The minister recalling HM the King’s recent speech said that there are constant contacts and coordination with KSA, UAE and Egypt since the beginning of the boycott of Qatar. “There are fair demands, and they must be implemented,” Al Rumaihi said.  The minister said: “The Qatari media, represented by the Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and other media outlets, are trying to take advantage of the spread of social media networks and the open space to mix up papers.” “There is an attempt to ‘hijack’ the Qatari crisis in a bid to solve it through such cheap media.” “However, this will certainly not be effective, nor achieve anything. There are clear and fair demands that must be implemented and achieved.

“The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is in dire need for more wisdom and frankness in the media. We have to study reality carefully, but mixing up papers will lead to nothing.” Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut transport and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, requiring to stop its role in supporting terrorism.