- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

'No Choice' for Qatar But to Reject Demands From Boycotting Nations

© REUTERS / Naseem ZeitoonA view shows buildings in Doha, Qatar, June 9, 2017.
A view shows buildings in Doha, Qatar, June 9, 2017. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Qatar has no other choice but to reject the demands issued by the four Arab nations as ceasing to the pressure would mean for Doha giving in on its sovereignty, political analysts told Sputnik.

People sit on the corniche in Doha, Qatar, June 15, 2017. - Sputnik International
Riyadh-Led Ultimatum Threatens to 'Make Qatar Vassal of Saudi Arabia'
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Monday, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Thani was reported to arrive to Kuwait, which is mediating the Gulf diplomatic crisis, to give Doha's response to the demands of the four Arab states in a letter written form. Its content however is not known and there’s been no official statement on the document.

The ultimatum for Qatar consists of 13 demands and the key clauses are considered to be ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood, reducing relations with Iran and shutting the Al Jazeera TV channel. The demands were presented on June 22 and Doha was given 10 days to give the response. The original deadline was due to expire on Sunday, but the countries agreed to extend it for another 48 hours.

"Qatar has no choice but to reject the demands in their totality. This is because taken in their totality the 'demands' directly impact on the sovereignty that any modern state can expect to enjoy," Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards, Visiting Fellow at Brookings Doha Center, said.

A man looks at pigeons at Souq Waqif market in Doha, Qatar, June 6, 2017. - Sputnik International
Qatar's Ace is Saudi Nemesis
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at a news conference on Saturday said that "everyone is aware that these demands are meant to infringe the sovereignty of the state of Qatar." He also added that Qatar was "prepared to face whatever consequences."

Courtney Freer, a Research Officer at the LSE Kuwait Programme, also believes that the demands are too extreme to be accepted which undermines the negotiating process.

"In regards to the demands, there’s not really a middle ground. Shutting Al Jazeera and severing ties with Iran, that’s not something that can be done halfway," she explained.

Both analysts agree that for Qatar this crisis has turned into a situation when Doha is forced to protect its right for independent policy.

Losing Face

People exchange money from an exchange house in Doha, Qatar, June 11, 2017 - Sputnik International
Riyal Boycott: Saudi Arabia Turns Screws on Qatar With Currency Blockade
During a recent visit to the United States, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir argued that the terms of the deal are non-negotiable. He told journalists that the country had made its point steps and it was up to the Qataris "to amend their behavior."

Reacting to the list of demands, Qatar said that it cannot be called either reasonable or actionable and asked for international support. Qatar’s foreign minister met with non-permanent members of the UNSA and urged them to publicly support lifting of the blockade. During a recent press-conference he also stated the list of demands is "made to be rejected."

This hardline stance that the sides adopted could further complicated the talks, according to Freer, as backing down in this situation could be seen as a sign of weakness.

"It would be difficult for them to get out this without losing face. A compromise would lead to either of the side looking not serious about defending what they consider sovereignty and security," she elaborated.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of funding terrorism and meddling into their internal affairs. These countries insist that their actions are meant to ensure stability and security of the region in the future. Doha rejects the accusations calling the blockade illegal.

A man walks on the corniche in Doha, Qatar, June 15, 2017 - Sputnik International
Qatar May Face More Sanctions, But Definitely Not War
To further discuss the plan of action in regards to the Qatar crisis foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are set to meet on Wednesday in Cairo. By this time they should have the repose from Qatar, with the deadline extended by 48 hours.

Freer stated that indeed the meeting parties will discuss the response to the Qatar crisis, but it is also organized for a symbolic purpose because the boycotting nations want to show that their alliance is strong and solid as ever. "I think they are more meeting for the sustained unity of their cause in this instance," she added.

Implications and Fallout

The boycotting nations threatened to impose further sanctions if Doha doesn't comply with the demands but the measures are not specified. Analysts are saying the most likely repercussion would be Arab nations agreeing to expel Qatar from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).

"They may seek to impact on trade relations that other countries enjoy with it. There is also the possibility that they might threaten to eject Qatar from the GCC," Milton-Edwards suggested.

The original list of demands, if complied with, would impact Qatar’s economy, foreign policy and social sphere.

A man walks on the corniche in Doha, Qatar, June 15, 2017 - Sputnik International
Why Qatar Unlikely to Bow to Saudi-Led Demand for Cutting Ties With Iran
The blockade disrupted air connection, as Doha-based Qatar Airways and Dubai's Emirates were forced to put their flights on halt. The country’s stock exchange continues to shrink amid diplomatic tensions. Doha heavily relies on food import and the boycotting nations are also among its food suppliers and now the government is looking for alternative options.

The list of demands also puts further financial pressure on Doha asking Qatar to pay compensation for what is vaguely described as loss of life and other financial losses that are allegedly caused by the actions of Qatar and its policies in the recent years.

According to the terms put forward by the Arab nations, Qatar will be monitored for compliance for a period of ten years.

It’s widely believed that the ongoing conflict is unlikely to be resolved in the short-term period as the divisions run deep. Experts say that the nature of the conflict and how it’s being handled are poised to have a serious impact on the whole region.

"The independence and sovereignty of political decision-making within states will surely be shaken for the foreseeable future," Milton-Edwards explained.

According to Freer, there are concerns that the stalemate could further deteriorate as there’s no "end in sight" and more countries ultimately will be forced to take sides. "Everyone will get dragged into this long-term conflict, in this long-term refusal to come together and compromise," she concluded.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic relations and communication with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. Later, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Mauritania also announced the severance of diplomatic relations. Jordan and Djibouti reduced the level of their diplomatic missions in Qatar.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала