Arab states’ blockade of Qatar hinders campaign against ISIS – Tillerson

‘US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Gulf Arab nations to ease the blockade of Qatar, citing humanitarian concerns and saying it may hinder the US-led campaign against Islamic State (IS).
“We call on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt to ease the blockade against Qatar,” Tillerson told reporters in Washington on Friday, adding that the blockade caused unintended hardship to the people of Qatar and poses an impediment to the military campaign against IS (formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Syria and Iraq.
“The blockade is hindering US military action in the region and the campaign against ISIS,” Tillerson said.
“We ask that there be no further escalation by the parties in the region,” Tillerson said, calling for “calm and thoughtful dialogue with clear expectations” in order to resolve the crisis, endorsing the mediation proposal by the Emir of Kuwait.’
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