Qatar criticises Saudi Arabia for refusing to negotiate on blockade demands

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have been condemned by Qatar after the alliance refused to negotiate on its 13-strong list of demands to its neighbour.

Qatar has been accused by Saudi and other nations in the region of aiding terrorist groups, leading to a diplomatic row which has culminated in a blockade of the country.

Qatar foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed al-Thani said the demands were 'unacceptable'.

"What has been presented by the countries of the blockade are merely claims that are not proved by evidence and are not demands," Sheikh Mohammed was quoted as saying on Al-Jazeera television.

"The demands must be realistic and enforceable and otherwise are unacceptable."

Last Friday, Qatar was told it had 10 days to comply with the demands, which included the closure of Al-Jazeera, cutting ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and the removal of a Turkish military base.

The foreign minister met with US secretary of state Rex Tillerson this week, as did Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir.

The latter was unequivocal in his refusal to negotiate on the demands laid out by the Gulf states.

“We took our steps and it's up to the Qataris to amend their behaviour. Once they do, things will be worked out. But if they don't, they will remain isolated," al-Jubeir said.