US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson encouraged Qatar and the Arab countries boycotting it to meet and resolve a diplomatic row.
"Qatar has begun its careful review and consideration of a series of requests presented by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE. While some of the elements will be very difficult for Qatar to meet, there are significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution," Tillerson said.
"A productive next step would be for each of the countries to sit together and continue this conversation. We believe our allies and partners are stronger when they are working together towards one goal, which we all agree is stopping terrorism and countering extremism. Each country involved has something to contribute to that effort. A lowering of rhetoric would also help ease the tension," CNN cited the Secretary of State as saying.
"The United States will continue to stay in close contact with all parties and will continue to support the mediation efforts of the Emir of Kuwait," he added,
The request comes two days after the boycotting countries delivered a list of 13 demands to Doha. Among the demands, the countries want Qatar to shut down its state-funded Al Jazeera news network, cut ties to extremist groups, halt the development of a Turkish military base in the country and weaken diplomatic ties with Iran.
