Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani yesterday accused the countries imposing a blockade on Doha of obstructing Kuwaiti mediation efforts.

Speaking during a lecture in Doha, the minister said the blockade imposed on his country was a “cover” for internal changes in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

“Qatar is dealing with the crisis in a civilised way under guidance from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani,” the minister said, adding that hours before the siege was imposed nothing indicated that such a measure would be taken.

The Qatari minister stressed that “the Middle East has changed after the Gulf crisis”.

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The minister said the government did not want for any citizen or resident to be affected by the consequences of the blockade.

He noted that his country always welcomes dialogue.

On 5 June, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar and imposed a blockade on it, alleging it supports terrorism. Charges Doha vehemently denies.

Kuwait has been leading mediation efforts between the two sides in the hope of ending the worst crisis in the history of the Gulf region, but talks have stalled.

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