Qatar Emir Breaks Silence on Gulf Feud, Is Open to Dialogue

  • Sheikh Tamim spoke for the first time since conflict began
  • Emir says Qatar isn’t afraid to identify and correct errors

Qataris write comments on a wall bearing a portrait of Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which has become the symbol of Qatari resistance during the month-long row between Doha and neighbouring countries, in Doha, on July 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / KARIM JAAFAR (Photo credit should read KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Photographer: Karim Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images
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Qatar’s ruler said his country is open to dialogue -- if sovereignty is respected -- to resolve the Gulf dispute, in his first remarks since a Saudi-led bloc cut diplomatic ties and transport links last month.

In a televised speech, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said Friday that Qatar isn’t afraid of identifying and correcting errors, and that while the Saudi-led alliance has violated international law by trying to isolate his country, the crisis has also helped the emirate to identify shortcomings.