Iran calls on Saudi, Qatar to settle disputes politically

The call by Iran came after Saudi Arabia cut ties with Qatar on Monday. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt followed suit by cutting ties with Doha. Saudi Arabia and the three countries also moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to Qatar.

“Intensifying tension in relations among the neighboring countries does not benefit the regional governments and people when the region and the world are suffering from consequences of terrorism and extremism,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said.

The spokesman added Iran wants the countries in the Persian Gulf region to “learn from bitter experiences in the region” and take actions in line with easing tension and restoring peace.

Qassemi also said encirclement of Qatar is “unacceptable”, adding “respecting independent countries’ national sovereignty and territorial integrity, avoiding to interfere in their domestic affairs and respecting the internationally recognized borders are fundamental international rights that should be respected.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed regret over the conflagration of disputes between neighbors on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf.

“Neighbors are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution. Dialog is imperative, especially during blessed Ramadan,” Zarif tweeted.

http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/413994/Iran-calls-on-Saudi-Qatar-to-settle-disputes-politically