GCC ends diplomatic row with Qatar

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have ended their row with Qatar and have agreed to return their ambassadors to the country, media reported Monday.

The decision was taken when the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in Riyadh late Sunday night in a last ditch attempt to settle the diplomatic row that has marred their internal relations for several months, Gulf News reported.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Sunday's breakthrough came after Qatar pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz chaired the summit attended by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and UAE Deputy Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also attended the talks and his delegation included Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa and Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Atiyyah.

The GCC had withdrawn their ambassadors from Qatar in March, accusing it of undermining their domestic security through its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have both listed the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.

Kuwait has attempted to mediate between its fellow GCC members.

Qatar was scheduled to host a meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council last week to discuss the agenda for the annual summit but it was postponed without any reason being given.