Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday expressed his readiness for dialogue to solve the ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis, but stressed that any solution must respect Qatar's sovereignty.
"We hope to resolve the disputes with dialogue and negotiations," the emir said in his first televised speech since the crisis erupted in June.
On June 5, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of financing terrorism, an accusation that Doha denies.
Several European diplomats have visited the Gulf during the past two weeks in a bid to ease the dispute, yet no breakthrough has been achieved.
Al Thani, who did not use escalatory words in his speech, praised the role of Kuwait and other countries seeking a solution to the crisis.
The emir said that imposing a siege on his country has reflected negatively on the image of Gulf states in the eyes of the world.
He stressed that Qatar is fighting terrorism relentlessly "because it considers it a heinous crime against humanity."
The emir also denounced what he called the "malicious smearing campaign" directed against the country.
He addded that, despite the siege on his country, life has been going on normally since the crisis began and praised the people's defence of their country's sovereignty.
The emir also criticized what he called attempts "to impose guardianship" on Qatar, pointing out that the campaign against his country has been planned in advance.
Al Thani concluded by calling on all Qataris to open the economy for investments and said that he has given instructions to diversify the economy in his country.
On Thursday, the emir issued a decree to amend some provisions of a law on combating terrorism.
The decree included definitions for the words 'terrorist,' 'crime,' 'terrorist acts,' 'terrorist entities,' 'the freezing of funds' and 'the financing of terrorism.'
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has tried to push Qatar’s Gulf neighbours back to the negotiating table, saying it was time for them to take some positive action to lift the blockade.
