Situation in the Gulf. Min Alfano: I hope that a sincere dialogue between the countries involved will be initiated

Statement by H.E. Min. Alfano: I have again discussed developments in the Gulf with the Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on their visits to Rome in recent days. I appreciate their will to exclusively pursue diplomatic channels to reach a solution. The Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Qatar and the new legislation that Qatar has introduced against terrorism and its financing represent positive developments that confirm Qatar’s commitment as a member of the Global Anti-Daesh Coalition. The fight against terrorism is a priority for Italy. In this regard full and timely restoration of cooperation between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council is also needed to offer a common response to terrorism and extremism. I hope that a sincere dialogue between the countries involved will be initiated, based on respect for international law, on the sovereignty and dignity of each country, in order to ease tensions, address the origins of disagreements and lead as soon as possible, to a long-lasting and sustainable solution. In this perspective, reiterating the Italian concern for the humanitarian implications of the crisis, I trust that, as a goodwill gesture, the use of the land border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia will be restored.