Bahrain wants end to regional disputes ahead of Gulf summit

Bahrain wants end to regional disputes ahead of Gulf summit

MANAMA – Bahrain called Wednesday for an end to regional disputes, the latest statement suggesting a rift between Qatar and four countries could ease ahead of a Gulf summit next month.

Manama's Supreme Defence Council, led by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, convened on Wednesday and declared a need “to end regional conflicts and disputes by peaceful means,” according to the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with and initiated an economic blockade against Qatar in June 2017, saying it was too close to Iran and funding radical Islamist movements, charges Doha denies.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — comprised of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar — will meet on January 5 in Saudi Arabia.

The softened rhetoric surrounding the three-year dispute comes amid Riyadh-led efforts to resolve the crisis.

Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said a resolution was in sight, with the four governments behind the blockade “on board” and a final agreement expected soon.

Long-running tensions

Egypt and the UAE have since given their public support to the negotiations, although diplomatic sources say the two countries have been reluctant to compromise.

Anwar Gargash, UAE minister