Gulf crisis not on Arab summit agenda: Qatar

By Mohamed Fahd

DOHA, Qatar

The Arab summit will not discuss the Gulf crisis during its session in mid-April, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

In exclusive statements to Anadolu Agency, Lolwah al-Khater said Qatar has received an official invitation from Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul-Gheit to attend the summit in Saudi Arabia on April 15.

Doha has not yet decided on its representation level at the summit, she said.

The spokesperson ruled out that the Gulf crisis will be discussed during the meeting.

“Qatar, however, is committed to pursuing dialogue to resolve the crisis,” she said.

“We have repeatedly reiterated our commitment to dialogue to resolve the crisis without undermining Qatar’s sovereignty and national interests,” the spokesperson said.

Meetings to prepare for the annual summit are scheduled to start in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Last summer, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain collectively severed ties with Qatar, creating one of the biggest crises in inter-Arab relations in recent history.

The four accuse Doha of supporting terrorism, a claim vehemently denied by Qatar.