Tillerson: Quartet is Not Ready for Dialogue with Qatar

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson departs with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani after a press conference in Doha. (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson departs with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani after a press conference in Doha. (Reuters)
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Tillerson: Quartet is Not Ready for Dialogue with Qatar

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson departs with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani after a press conference in Doha. (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson departs with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani after a press conference in Doha. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged on Sunday that the four boycotting countries and Qatar have a major gap to bridge in resolving the diplomatic and economic crisis between them.

He said that Saudi Arabia “is not yet ready to kick off direct discussions with Doha to end the nearly five-month diplomatic and trade boycott.”

Tillerson made his remarks from Doha during a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Commenting on talks he had held with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, he remarked: “There are no strong indications that the sides involved are prepared for dialogue.”

The US official said that Washington supports dialogue as a means to end the Doha crisis.

Tillerson added however that the US will not impose any solution on any side involved in the dispute.

“The US is prepared to facilitate dialogue, including helping set a roadmap for it,” he revealed, while pledging to continue to offer “any help” to end the crisis.

For his part, the Qatari FM said: “Doha is still committed to dialogue with the four boycotting countries.”

He also warned against postponing an upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council summit as a result of the dispute, revealing that Doha has not yet received an invitation to attend the meeting.

Furthermore, he said that the Emir of Qatar agrees with US President Donald Trump that the Gulf crisis has taken too long to be resolved, noting that it has affected the security of all GCC countries.

Tillerson had kicked off over the weekend a six-nation tour that saw him first land in Saudi Arabia where he held talks with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and other senior officials.



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.