Tillerson Hopes Qatar Land Blockade Will Be Lifted

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Friday the United States is satisfied with Qatar’s efforts to implement an agreement aimed at combating terror financing signed last week, and he urged Arab states to lift a “land blockade” on the tiny Persian Gulf nation. “They have been very aggressive in implementing that agreement, so I think we’re satisfied with the effort they’re putting forth,” Tillerson told reporters just before meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah at the State Department, Reuters reported. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt imposed sanctions on Qatar last month, accusing it of financing extremist groups and allying with Iran, allegations Doha denies. “I hope the four countries will consider as a sign of good faith lifting this land blockade which is really having the most, I think negative effects on the Qatari people,” Tillerson said.