Neutral Malaysia hopes to mediate Qatar crisis

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will continue to remain neutral despite offering to play a constructive role in the ongoing conflict between Qatar and other Arab countries.

Malaysia, said Wisma Putra, shared close relations with all the countries involved, and viewed the issue with deep concern.

Responding to calls for the Malaysian Government to initiate an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Wisma Putra said both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman had been communicating with their counterparts across the Muslim world on the latest developments and possible resolutions.

“During these contacts, Malaysia has emphasised its neutrality.

“At the same time, we have offered to play any constructive role that the parties involved feel is required.

“This offer and concern have been well received and appreciated,” said Wisma Putra in a statement here yesterday.

However, it said the countries involved had asked for other nations and international groups to provide them with the opportunity to resolve these difficulties through their own regional framework, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the mediation efforts of the Emir of Kuwait.

“We support these efforts but our offer to play a constructive role still stands. We will continue our contacts with all parties concerned and we will urge them to take all necessary steps to de-escalate tensions,” said Wisma Putra.

While hoping for a speedy and amicable solution to the difficulties, Malaysia, it said, remained committed to combating and confronting terrorism and extremism, adding that the country supported all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

The crisis began on June 5 when six countries cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of destabilising the region and backing militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda.

Since then, Qatar has been issued with a list of demands, such as shuttering Al-Jazeera, cutting back on diplomatic links with Iran and severing all ties with the Muslim Brotherhood.

In a 13-point list presented to the Qataris by Kuwait, the countries also demanded an end to Turkey’s military presence in Qatar.