Russia appears reluctant to choose sides over Qatar-GCC rift

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says dialogue will solve the diplomatic crisis dividing the Gulf Arab nations.

 

He has been in Russia trying to shore up support against an embargo on Qatar.

 

But the Russian government appears hesitant about choosing sides amid major differences with Qatar over the Syrian conflict.

 

Moscow is a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Doha supports armed groups fighting the government.

 

Meanwhile, there is still confusion over mixed messages from Washington over its stance on the Gulf dispute.

 

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands reports from Moscow.