BERLIN (Sputnik) – A long-term severance in relations of countries of the Persian Gulf jeopardizes the cooperation within the framework of the coalition against Daesh, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Wednesday.
"We need cooperation in the anti-Daesh coalition, and we imagine what threats emerge in case of long-term severance of relations in the region," Gabriel told a press conference.
On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. The states accused Qatar of supporting terrorist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist movement, as well as of interfering in other countries' domestic affairs. Libya made a similar decision. Yemen cut diplomatic relations citing Doha's links with Houthis. The Maldives took the same step, citing extremism and terrorism concerns. Mauritius joined the boycott. Mauritania broke off diplomatic ties with Qatar while Jordan downgraded ties with the country on June 6. The Comoros joined the campaign on June 7.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations of Doha's interference in other countries' domestic affairs and expressed regret over the decision of the Gulf States to cut off the diplomatic ties with it.
"We are surprised by how quickly the conflict unfolded between the neighboring countries of the Arabian Peninsula. I am extremely concerned with the dramatic escalation of the situation and consequences for the whole region," Gabriel told Handlesblatt newspaper, as quoted in a ministry statement.
In light of the unfolding crisis, Gabriel denounced US President Donald Trump’s latest arms deals with the Persian Gulf monarchies, saying the aftermath might provoke a new arms race.
"It is a completely wrong policy, and it is certainly not Germany’s policy. We put our stakes on opportunities soon coming up for talking to each other and alleviating conflicts through dialogue," the German minister stated.
During his May 21 visit to Riyadh, Trump oversaw the signing of several arms deals and intentions with Saudi Arabia, their combined total amounting $110 billion.
