Qatar warns of the “negative impact” of European measures

In response to revelations about possible bribes paid by Qatar to elected members of the European Parliament, access to the assembly in Doha has been withdrawn. Qatar condemns this decision.

A Qatari diplomat has warned that the measures taken by the European Parliament against Qatar, whose access to the assembly has been withdrawn in connection with an alleged corruption case, will have a “negative impact” on relations with the Gulf emirate and global gas supplies. Sunday.

“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, and to limit dialogue and cooperation before legal procedures are over, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on ongoing discussions about global energy scarcity and security,” he said in a statement.

On Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously on a text “urging the suspension of access permits for representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation. The decision rests with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

Qatar strongly rejects the accusations

“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, and to limit dialogue and cooperation before the legal procedures are over, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on the ongoing discussions about global energy scarcity and security,” a Qatari diplomat said on Sunday.

He said in a press statement that Qatar, which “strongly rejects” the accusations against it, regrets “the rulings based on inaccurate information revealed by the leaks.”

He pointed out that it is not the only country mentioned in the investigation opened by Belgium, yet the criticisms and attacks target Qatar “exclusively”.

The rich gas country denounced the lack of cooperation of the Belgian government, which is considered a “close” partner and an “important supplier” of liquefied natural gas to the world.