US envoys to shun Saudi-bloc’s 13 demands and focus on Tillerson formula to solve crisis

A day after it was announced that two senior US envoys will arrive in the Gulf as part of efforts to solve the ongoing siege of Qatar, it is understood they will steer clear of the unjust 13 demands put up by blockading nations.    

Gulf Times reported that the two US envoys shuttling between Middle East capitals to resolve the Gulf crisis want to shift the focus away from the 13 conditions, according to a Gulf official with knowledge of the matter.

Instead, General Anthony Zinni, a retired former head of US Central Command, and senior State Department official Timothy Lenderking will promote a solution based on a road map proposed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson as well as six broad principles that include combating terrorism, The Peninsula quoted the official, who wished to remain anonymous, as saying.

The alliance of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt last month reinstated the conditions, which include shutting down Al Jazeera television, after initially dropping them to focus on the six principles. The move dealt a blow to mediation efforts led by Kuwait and the US.

Tillerson had presented his road map when he visited the region last month. The proposals included laying the grounds for direct negotiations based on an accord that resolved a previous dispute between the Gulf nations.

The two US envoys met with Kuwaiti officials on Monday and are due to travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, before heading to Qatar.