Diplomatic Row: Qatar Slams Gulf Nations, Says Claims Unjustified, Baseless
Qatar on Monday described as “unjustified” and “baseless”, decision for six gulf nations to sever ties with it, saying their aim is to put Doha under political “guardianship”.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, FlyDubai and Saudi Arabian Airlines have suspended all flights to Qatar, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours, over claims that the country supported Islamist groups.
“The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims,’ the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday.
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“The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its (Qatar’s) sovereignty as a state,” Qatar added.
Qatar is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and it is not clear if the world soccer governing body is going to take action after the latest move by the Gulf nations, following allegations that Doha is backing the Islamic States miltants, ISIS and al-Qaeda.
A FIFA spokesperson refused to comment on the situation, when asked by MailOnline.
“FIFA is in regular contact with the Qatar 2022 Local Organising Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy handling matters relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup,’ the spokesperson said.
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“We have no further comments for the time being.”
Bahrain blamed Qatar’s ‘media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain’ for its decision. Other countries issued similar statements.
Qatar Airways also suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The United States is yet to issue a statement on the situation, however, with Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia last month, the U.S might just back the move.
