Qatar says Gulf alliance needs replacing

AFP  |  Doha 

called Saturday for a new regional alliance following the failure of the four-decade-old to resolve an 18-month rift between the emirate and its neighbours.

"The regional alliance has been undermined by the crisis," Sheikh Mohammed told policymakers at the two-day Forum.

"Therefore the alliance that existed needs to be reshaped and redesigned to ensure future stability and security of the region."

His comments came after Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, stayed away from the GCC's annual summit in last Sunday despite receiving an invitation from its Saudi hosts.

The Qatari lashed out at the reasons advanced by and its allies and the for imposing their sweeping boycott.

"It was based on lies, it was based on crimes... it was based on creating propaganda to create fear among the people," he said.

and its allies accused of supporting "terrorist groups", including the which they blacklist but with which has longstanding ties.

They also accused the emirate of advocating improved relations with Saudi arch rival Iran, with which shares

They set out their complaints in a 13-point list of demands that has been rejected by as an assault on its sovereignty and its right to conduct an independent foreign policy.

In his opening remarks to the forum, the said Qatar's Gulf partners needed to show respect for its independence.

"Lifting the blockade is based on mutual recognition and non-interference," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, December 15 2018. 16:10 IST