Here’s what’s happened since last week’s updates.
According to a report by French daily Le Monde on Friday, King Salman has written a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing his "profound concern" over ongoing negotiations between Qatar and Russia for the sale of the advanced anti-aircraft weapon system, Press TV reported.
"[In such a situation], the kingdom would be ready to take all the necessary measures to eliminate this defense system, including military action," King Salman was quoted as stating in the letter.
The press TV further notes that the report came out a day after Saudi Ambassador to Russia Rayed Krimly said negotiations between Riyadh and Moscow over the purchase of the S-400 missile system were “advancing well,” noting that the two sides were working out the technical details of the contract. It is worth noting that during King Salman's visit to Moscow last October, Saudi Arabia signed preliminary agreements to purchase the S-400 system from Russia.
It's been just one year since the blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt began against Qatar. Despite an illegal blockade, Qatar has shown its capability of looking after itself and if there's one thing Qatar won't do is back down in the face of adversity.
However, the move has spectacularly backfired as the people of Qatar have emerged stronger and united; new trade routes have opened up, there's no shortage of essentials, and the economy remains strong thanks to the leadership of HH the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Qatar's defence minister, Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah said on Tuesday about country's long-term strategic "ambition" to join the Western military defence alliance NATO, Daily Mail reported.
on June 5, 2018, Qatar marks a year into a blockade by four Arab states. On the anniversary of a year-long GCC dispute, Attiyah told Qatar wanted to become a full member of the 29-country alliance.
"Qatar today has become one of the most important countries in the region in terms of the quality of armament," Attiyah told the official magazine of the Qatari defence ministry, Altalaya.
"Regarding the membership, we are a main ally from outside NATO.. The ambition is full membership if our partnership with NATO develops and our vision is clear."
Furthermore, he stated that there was a growing relationship between Qatar and the alliance, and Doha could host "NATO's units or one of its specialised centres".
The United Nations General Assembly today elected the State of Qatar as Vice-President of the General Assembly for its 73rd session, which will begin in mid-September, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement further notes that this election is a recognition by the Member States of the role played by the State of Qatar in the United Nations, and the distinct status of its role at the regional and international levels.
Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa on Tuesday was elected president of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly taking over from Slovakian Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak. She won 128 of the votes, compared to the 62 votes the Honduras representative won out of the total 193.
Qatari citizens are welcome to perform Umrah after registering their information upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, Saudi Gazette reported.
However, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) said that there is nothing new in the recent statement made by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj and Umrah on welcoming Qatari citizens and residents to perform Umrah rituals, according to a report by Gulf times.
NHRC issued an announcement on Wednesday where they said that Saudi Arabia is simply endeavoring to enhance its impression through this declaration. Furthermore, these announcements have no premise in reality or any clear and particular indications to be executed.
The committee stressed the need for the Saudi authorities to agree with Qatar's Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs on clear and specific mechanisms to facilitate Haj and Umrah for Qatari citizens and residents, considering the fact that just two months are left for the Haj.
What are your thoughts on these latest developments in the ongoing GCC Crisis? Drop us a line and tell us your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and share this article.
(Image credits: iStock by Getty Images)
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.
How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!
