UAE minister says seeking ‘change of policy, not regime’ in Qatar

7 June 2017, 2:06 pm

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Measures taken by the United Arab Emirates and other nations against Qatar are aimed at pressuring Doha into changing its policies, not at overthrowing its regime, a senior UAE official says.

“This is not about regime change — this is about change of policy, change of approach,” UAE state minister for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash said in an interview, accusing Qatar of being “the main champion of extremism and terrorism in the region.”

A general view shows boats sitting in the port along the corniche in Qatar's capital Doha on June 5, 2017. (AFP Photo/STR) — A general view shows boats sitting in the port along the corniche in Qatar’s capital Doha on June 5, 2017. (AFP Photo/STR)

On Monday Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar. The four nations alleged that Qatar harbors extremists and backs Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations.

–with AFP