Qatar's ruler hopes Gulf crisis will end for sake of region | Reuters

Qatar's ruler hopes Gulf crisis will end for sake of region | Reuters:

Qatar’s ruler said on Tuesday that a political and economic boycott of his country by larger neighbors had weakened a Gulf Arab bloc at a time of regional instability, but he voiced hope the crisis would pass.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani outlined Qatar’s economic achievements over the past year despite sanctions imposed by Saudi Arabia and four Arab states since June 2017, saying the tiny but wealthy country would preserve its status as the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut transport and trade ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and their foe Iran. Doha denies the charges and says the boycott aims to impinge on its sovereignty.