Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis
Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved.
The ruling coalition of Ennahda and Nidaa Tunis has adopted a neutral stance in the Gulf crisis triggered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severing diplomatic relations with Qatar on June 5 and imposing a land and air blockade against it.
Abdelkarim Harooni, chairman of the Shura Council of Ennahda, the majority party in parliament, described Saudi Arabia's application of pressure in the Gulf as a painful step in terms of Riyadh's attempt to exert influence and be recognized as regional leader.
Ali Laarayedh, deputy head of Ennahda and former prime minister, told Al-Monitor that Tunisia's position falls within the framework of its consistent desire to preserve Arab unity, to maintain good relations with all parties and preserve diplomatic tradition among Arab states.
Laarayedh also remarked, "The crisis that broke out in the Gulf is taking place between sister countries with great common interests, a shared future and similar security concerns. These brotherly countries have close relations and have cooperated in various fields of trade, politics and finance. Accordingly, we support every diplomatic effort to contain the crisis through dialogue."
